Thousands of spectators gathered at Khunda village in the northwestern district of Attock, Punjab, some 80 kilometres from Islamabad to watch the bull race.

In rural areas, bull race is one of the most anticipated events due to its thrilling and aggressive nature. The traditional competition attracts landlords and farmers from all around the province where the race is held, and they all bring their fastest and strongest bulls in hopes of gaining a reputation.

It also depicts the pride farmers have for their animals, the jockey does not ride but boards on a wooden board and is dragged by the bull.

The participants have to cover a 350 meter course and guide the bull through poles placed 10 meters apart.

Farmers arrive with a bull as they compete in a traditional bull race. – AFP

Farmers sprinkle currency notes before the start of a traditional bull race. – AFP

Farmers sprinkle currency notes before the start of the race. Photo – AFP

Local villagers collect currency notes sprinkled by farmers. – AFP

Preparations are made before the race. – AFP

A farmer guides his bull.– AFP

A farmer falls as he competes in the traditional bull race.– AFP

Farmers try to control bulls during the race.– AFP

A farmer guides his bulls before the start of the race. – AFP

!Farmers arrive with their bulls as spectators wait for the race to begin. – AFP]6

A farmer walks with his bull as spectators watch the participants arrive. – AFP

The race begins. – AFP

A farmer tries to pull the reigns to control the bull. – AFP

The bulls speed up through the course. – AFP