Sparrow fights resumed in front of an enthusiastic crowd at a Hindu temple in northeast India on Monday after a ban on the centuries-old tradition, seen as cruel by animal rights activists, was lifted.
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Thousands of spectators gathered at the Haigriva Madhav temple in Hajo, Assam state, on Monday to watch fights between red-bellied bulbuls, allowed after an eight-year ban after Hindu priests argued they were part of their traditions.
“We have seen bird fights since childhood… the ritual of bird fights is very human,” says Kichin Das, one of the three judges who will choose the winner.
According to enthusiasts, these tournaments, which date back to the 18th century when a king witnessed two bird fights, became a popular spectacle during the Thanksgiving holiday in January.
“It’s a game from the time of kings,” explains Biswajit Biswasi, 49, a professional sparrow fighter. “I have learned to catch and train these birds since I was a child.”
Traditionally, wild birds were tricked into fighting by first starving them to death before feeding them an exciting blend of spices such as cannabis, pepper, cinnamon and cloves.
“The fight is short,” emphasizes Babul Mazumdar, who has been catching birds intended for combat for thirty years.
“The bird that dominates the other, say in three or four shots, is declared the winner,” he adds.
Screaming and flapping their wings, the small birds are loudly encouraged by the spectators to change their picks.
“This game is linked to our faith and traditions,” stressed Satya Nath Bharali, 85, one of the thousands of spectators who came to watch the hundred matches scheduled for Monday.
Animal rights activists condemn this tradition, which is similar to cockfighting but uses wild birds caught in the wild.
The Assam High Court banned bulbul fights in 2015, leading to protests.
“Inhumane and barbaric”
In 2023, the government of Assam announced that sparrow fights would be allowed again, but on the condition that the organizers adhere to the rules.
Fights must be organized in a “disciplined manner” and the birds must be properly fed and hydrated.
The birds must then be “released” into the wild in complete health.
“We are happy that the government has allowed bird fights this year,” said spectator Pradyumna Bhagawati.
But Tushar Kol from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) condemned the return of this tradition and called for it to be banned.
“Inciting an animal to fight another animal is outdated, inhumane and barbaric and such spectacles have no place in a modern civilized society,” Tushar Kol wrote in a letter to Assam authorities.
“Caging” these birds and “forcing them to fight is a negation of their natural behavior and causes enormous stress and suffering,” the activist stressed.