Hori Habba blamed for rise in Covid-19 cases in Haveri

HAVERI: Covid-19 cases have been rising in Haveri district since the end of the festive season and authorities blame it on ‘Hori Habba’ (bull-taming), the ancient folk sport. The habba is traditionally organised as part of Deepavali festivities in Haveri, Shivamogga, and neighbouring districts.
Officials say the events attracted thousands of spectators who routinely flouted Covid-19 safety norms like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.“A sneeze or a cough from someone infected by Covid-19 is enough to spread the disease to hundreds of people who in turn may spread it to their neighbours,” an official said.
Sanjay Shettanavar, Haveri district deputy commissioner, admitted bulltaming events were held in many parts of the district after Deepavali, despite a ban on such events.
“This is a traditional sport that is much looked forward to in Malnad regions like Hirekerur, Byadagi, and Hanagal taluks,” Shettanavar said. “However, despite warnings from the district administration, events were organised in many villages in these taluks. Ever since Deepavali, active cases in Haveri district have risen by nearly 300.” He went on to say, “We had instructed tahsildars not to allow these events to be conducted and asked them to lodge cases against those flouting the ban.”
Dr Jagadish Patil, Covid surveillance officer, said the district had reported less than 100 cases from October to the third week of November. But after Deepavali, it has been reporting more than 100 cases.
“Of the 123 cases reported on November 30, the highest of 51 was reported in Hanagal taluk, the hub of the bull-taming event,” Patil said. “There were only 49 active cases on November 21, but numbers rose to 287 by December 1. This is largely due to violation of Covid rules like not wearing masks and not maintaining social distancing during these events.”
However, Basavaraj Mantagi, a participant in the bull-taming event, was miffed with authorities for blaming the rise in cases to the sport. “The administration did nothing to prevent rallies of political parties where people gathered in the thousands, violating Covid norms,” he said. “But they are trying to prevent this traditional sport by imposing laws.”