KATHMANDU: Every year thousands of spectators reach Taruka village in Nuwakot district to observe bullfighting festival, during the day of Makar Sankranti, which heralds the end of winter according to the Hindu calendar.

Bullfighting in Taruka is gaining popularity in recent years; more people from outside the district and foreign tourists are attending the event.

According to the organisers, 23 pairs of bull competed in this year's event.

Nepali bullfighting is believed to have been introduced in Taruka by Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh, a monarch of the ancient Bajhang Kingdom, more than a century ago.

Here are few snapshots captured by our THT Photo Journalist Skanda Gautam today.