Thousands of spectators packed a makeshift arena in Nepal's Himalayan foothills today to cheer a bullfighting festival whose popularity dates back to the 19th century.
Unlike its Spanish counterpart, Nepalese bullfighting requires no matadors as the bulls -- usually buffalo -- fight each other in a contest to mark the Maghe Sankranti festival which heralds the end of winter according to the Hindu calendar.
Around 5,000 people descended on the dusty village of Taruka, 35 kilometres (22 miles) northwest of the capital Kathmandu, to watch 16 pairs of bulls butt heads, with the winner of each bout taking home 2,000 rupees (USD 20) in prize money.
Some of those present were watching the festival for the first time but many were repeat visitors, drawn to the spectacle year after year.
Rudra Bahadur Poudel, a 65-year-old villager on his 13th visit to Takura, said the entertainment was well worth the annual trip.
"It's fun to watch the bulls try to hit each other, I always enjoy watching the fight," Poudel told AFP.
Every time the bulls made contact, crowds perched on the surrounding hillsides burst into applause, roaring with delight as the animals sent clouds of dust flying into the air.
Unlike European bullfighting, bloodshed is a rare sight in the Nepalese tradition, which requires each bout to end once an animal tires of fighting.
Nevertheless, animal rights activists have attacked the festival, arguing that it causes injuries including broken bones, and have sought to have it banned.
