DENPASAR (indo.com): Following the Mekepung (buffalo races) recently held in the Western part of Bali, the island's bovinity will once again hold center stage in a rice-paddy-plowing competition on August 12, 2002. The location for the "Sapi Gerumbungan" is Lovina, the peaceful fishing village resort on the North coast of the island.

Whereas the Mekepung is a contest of speed, the Sapi Gerumbungan is one of elegance and grace in a muddy field. Around 50 contestants from the Buleleng regency are expected to take part in demonstrating their skills in the important task of plowing the fields in preparation for sowing the rice. Each contestant enters a pair of cows, joined by a wooden yoke, and demonstrates as best he can the right way to plow. In true Balinese fashion, the beasts are highly decorated for the occasion.

Starting off slowly and carefully, the buffalo are gradually driven faster and faster by their jocky, who is towed behind them on a wooden board used to flatten the soil after irrigation. But it's not just about speed. Contestants are judged according to their technical expertise in dealing with the wet mud, and the beauty of their beasts. Judges consider posture, direction, health, discipline and dress co-ordination between plowman and buffalo when choosing the winner.

Visitors are always welcome at such an event, with dances and traditional music laid on specially to greet guests. These elegant performances by local women reflect the movements associated with harvesting and pounding rice.