Nuwakot, Jan. 15 -- In an arena nestled on the slopes of the hills, bulls fight to show strength and for recognition. This age-old tradition in the Himalayan Nation is slowly fading, with bulls becoming more expensive and rarer even in villages.

The annual bull festival, which began over two centuries ago, continues to draw hundreds of revellers from across the nation despite the declining number of participating humpy bulls.

In 2025, a total of 16 pairs of bulls were taken into this very arena; this year, it has dropped to 13 as the annual bull fight commences in mid-January.

"We cannot find the calf in and around villages. I had to bring it from a far-flung area of another district. The local breed has almost become extinct, replaced...