85-Year-Old Diwali Ritual Upholds Yadav Community Heritage
Raisen: The town of Raisen came alive the day after Diwali for the annual, 85-year-old tradition of buffalo fighting (Pado Ki Ladai), drawing hundreds of spectators and showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Yadav community.
The centuries-old practice is steeped in ritual. Before the spectacle, members of the Yadav community gather to perform a sacred puja to Hiramam Baba. Buffaloes and cows are elaborately decorated and brought to the site amid the sound of drums. Milk is offered to Hiramam Baba, and a special milk prasad (offering) is then distributed to the devotees before the intense bout begins.
Clash of the Titans: ‘Bhola King’ vs. ‘Dohra Sardar’
This year’s highlight featured a dramatic, hard-fought contest between two formidable animals: ‘Bhola King,’ owned by Ramswaroop Yadav, and ‘Dohra Sardar,’ belonging to Chain Singh Yadav. The buffaloes clashed twice, wrestling for nearly half an hour without either securing a definitive victory.
With the crowd watching intently—many having climbed trees for a better view—the match was eventually declared a tie, a rare occurrence in the event where the winner’s owner typically receives a prize. The tradition continues to be a vibrant post-Diwali celebration, strongly connecting the community to its roots and Lord Krishna’s lineage.
