Purnea, March 24: As the state looks towards a bright future, the district administration — in an effort to connect with the tradition of the state — organised a bullock cart race to mark the Bihar Divas festivities.

“Retired history professor Rameshwar Prasad alerted us about the traditional sport, which Phaneshwar Nath Renu has made immortal in his writing,” said district magistrate and collector N. Saravana.

Eighteen teams took part in the first round of the race, six qualified for the second. Pokhariya resident Mohammed Mugalis won and was awarded Rs 5,001.