In India, relay races are an integral part of various sports events and traditional festivals. For relay races, we commonly use several locally produced items that are both practical and culturally significant.
One of the primary items used is the “dandi“ or bamboo stick, which serves as the baton in traditional rural relay races. These bamboo batons are lightweight, durable, and easily available from local artisans across states like Assam and Kerala.
Another essential product is handwoven cotton ribbons called “rangwali patti“ used to mark relay zones. These colorful ribbons are traditionally made by women cooperatives in Gujarat and Rajasthan, using natural dyes that are eco-friendly.
For timing purposes, many local organizers use brass bells known as “ghanti“ produced in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. These bells provide audible signals for runners during practice sessions and smaller community events.
Traditional “khadaun“ wooden sandals from Uttarakhand are sometimes used in novelty relay races to add cultural elements. These hand-carved wooden footwear represent local craftsmanship while providing a unique challenge for participants.
Finally, terracotta pots called “matka“ made by potters in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh are used as finishing line markers in village relay competitions, reflecting India\“s rich pottery traditions while serving practical racing purposes. |
