Neza Bazı ( Tent Pegging ) is one of the discipline of an equestrian sports . Largely played in many countries ,but in Pakistan it is more than a game , it is a grand tradition. It started as a training for the warriors to pull out the pegs of enemy’s tents but has now become an important part of Punjab’s culture. A tent pegging festival or a ‘Mela’ as it is called, is more than a social gathering, it is an exhibition of grandeur, horsemanship and hospitality. Scenic beauty of Punjab, horses laden with exquisite jewelry and finely crafted saddles, horsemen dressed like oriental princes wearing silk or cotton shalwar kameez , vibrant waistcoats and neatly tied turbans, a ‘Mela’ is a breath taking experience. Another important component of the ‘Mela’ is the spectators who are in thousands, cheering for every bull’s-eye and keeping the morals of riders high. If it weren’t for the spectators a Mela, wouldn’t be nearly as resplendent as it is.
Tent pegging is now an international sport with a world cup and lots of different championships taking place around the world but the tent pegging of the Pakistan still holds a different charisma. For the people of Indian subcontinent and specifically Punjab, it is more than a game of points and peg picking. It is a complete show-off of horsemanship, equine enthusiasm and warrior spirit. Horse are bred and groomed specially for this show of grandeur. Tall, wide chested and local (desi) breed horses are preferred. Local breed horses are known to be of frisky and agile temperament, giving the rider a tough time on the saddle thus making the show interesting. Another difference between the International and Oriental tent pegging is the high point of the run. In the international game, climax is the moment where the lance hits the peg but in the Oriental game, the takeoff and charging of the horse is more important.