They ran, fell, and played on slush

The organisers say such events remind people about agriculture and sports associated with it

Participants at "kesaru gadde pandyata" (slush paddy field rural sports) at Pavanje in Mangalore Taluk on Sunday. Photo: Raviprasad Kamila

Some men did not mind swimming in ankle-deep slush on paddy fields during lunch break while many played “chendata” (throw ball) for sometime.

They were participants at the “kesaru gadde pandyata” (sports meet on slushy paddy field) in front of Sri Jnanashakthi Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Pavanje on Sunday.

Men in teams participated in forward and backward running races, tug of war, throw ball and other competitions.

As the paddy fields were close to the National Highway No. 66, running races and splashing of slush attracted those who drove cars on the highway. Some of them parked their cars along the highway and got out to enjoy the proceedings.

“It is good for health as it involves physical exercise. Our elders used to say that slush cured some diseases,” said Sundara Poojary, a referee for throw ball at the field.

Tulunada Kesarugadde Kreedotsava Samiti organised the two-day competitions on Saturday and Sunday.

According to Vinod Kumar, an office-bearer of the committee, 10 teams from primary schools, 15 teams from high schools and six teams from pre-university colleges participated in the competitions on Saturday.