Shivamogga: GPS technology revolutionizes bull tracking for traditional bull festivals

Team Udayavani, Jan 11, 2025, 10:21 AM IST

Shivamogga: The bull festivals (Hori Habba) of Central and North Karnataka are celebrated with great enthusiasm, and raising bulls for these festivals is considered a matter of pride. People spend lakhs of rupees to purchase bulls, which occasionally wander into forests or fields during the events. Tracking and retrieving these valuable animals often becomes an expensive and challenging task. To address this issue, bull owners are now turning to technology.

Shikaripura-based car mechanic and automobile electrician Idayath has creatively adapted GPS devices, typically used in vehicles, for use on bulls. This GPS system, which offers a battery backup of 6 to 10 days, is mounted on the bull’s neck. Using a GPS-enabled app, the bulls’ location can be tracked in real time. Even in remote areas with weak network signals, the system ensures reliable tracking, reducing the anxiety of owners.

During festivals, bulls often get lost among thousands of participants, straying into forests or remote fields. Cases of missing bulls are reported during every festival, and finding them involves significant effort. Bulls purchased from other districts or states sometimes fail to return to their original locations, further complicating the search.

Previously, bull owners relied on WhatsApp groups to share photos and seek local help. Many also made religious offerings in hopes of finding their animals. Large search parties, involving 10 to 20 people, scoured neighboring villages, spending considerable time and money on food and other arrangements.

The technology behind the innovation:

Adapted GPS Device: Originally designed for cars, the GPS device has been upgraded for bulls.
Battery Backup: The device includes a 10,000 mAh battery offering 6–10 days of backup.
Easy Installation: The device is secured around the bull’s neck.
Real-Time Tracking: The bull’s location can be monitored via a GPS app.
Cost: The device is currently priced at ₹7,200.

This innovative use of GPS technology has significantly reduced the challenges of locating missing bulls, making bull festivals more manageable for owners.