SUNDAY VIBES
The bulls returning to the fields once the fights are over.
While this is going on, the gembala would be busy making last minute preparations. These included bathing their charges with pakan, a specially prepared solution that made coats silky smooth and protected them from injuries. At the same time, horns would be smothered with peruang, a semiliquid herbal mixture reputed to possess magical powers that ensured dominance over opponents.
Conscious of the possibility of foul play, the ever-vigilant gembala would keep a constant lookout for suspicious looking strangers and make sure that they didn’t stray too close to their precious bulls. Stakes would be at their zenith as the countdown to the event draws closer. There are no longer any margins for errors. upset the opponent and cause it to turn tail and flee at the first whiff, resulting in cheap victory.
The horns would be cleansed to prevent poisoning from pemedih, a lethal mixture made from several local plants known to contain specific toxic chemicals. Past cases where bulls of repute had been disposed of in this manner have led the Tok Jora and his men to be extra vigilant.
With the crowd baying for action and the two opposing bulls already stamping furiously, snorting with rage and straining for attack, the Tok Jora wouldmakethefinal checks and, once satisfied, strike his gong for the second time.
This is the signal for the gembala to jerk the ropes free from the nose-rings. In a split second, the raging behemoths would clash with lowered heads. Locking horns, they’d tussle with every ounce of theirstrengthinabidtogainground.The fight, however, seldom lasts longer than a few minutes.
One is bound to give up within that time period and bolt. The loser would then gallop around the arena pursued by the victor. For the sake of entertainment, their gembala would allow the pursuit to go on for several laps before reining them in.
The final events on the programme would be reserved for fights between the larger and more powerful kerbau (water buffaloes). The crowd would be thrilled beyond words to witness two heavynecked buffalo bulls, enraged by the incessant shouts from their gembala and audience, clash with a thundering thud. Their struggle would last longer and often encompassed the full length of the bong, giving everyone present an opportunity to have a closer look.
It would be evening by the time the dust in the arena finally settles. The spectators would depart in high spirits, chattering about the events that just took place, discussing the merits of bulls and comparing the predictions of the soothsayers. The next day, everyone would return to their normal routine and start to look forward to the next occasion when the fighting bulls would once again take to the arena.
Putting my purchases in protective plastic sleeves, I remain convinced that although bull fights are no longer held in our country, their legacy must never be forgotten as they form an integral part of our nation’s rich heritage. Hopefully, generations in the future will still know about the time in distant past when champion bulls once graced the Kelantanese bong.