Cockfights continue to thrive in Jajpur’s tribal areas despite ban | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: Despite the ban, cockfights are a common sight in Jajpur district’s Sukinda and Danagadi blocks following the harvest season, posing a challenge to both police and the administration.
The traditional sport, deeply embedded in tribal culture, draws large crowds who gather to watch roosters battle in makeshift arenas. “Cockfight games have been part of our tradition for generations. People come in large numbers to witness these events,” said Narendra Bishra of Gobaraghati village.
Fights start from Makar Sankranti and bets as low as Rs 10 are placed on the fights. On Wednesday, a cockfight at Dhulipasi village attracted hundreds of spectators who cheered as two roosters engaged in combat, accompanied by traditional drum beats. According to Mahendra Jaraka of Dhuliapasi village, the birds are often intoxicated before fights to increase their aggression.
The fights follow specific rules, explained Parikhita Munda from Chingudipala village. “Each bout includes a 15-minute fight with intervals for rest. A cock is considered defeated if its beak touches the ground or it flees the arena,” Munda said.
Animal rights activists are concerned about these events. Sudhanshu Parida, secretary of district unit of People for Animals, pointed out that such fights violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. He also highlighted the fact that illegal betting accompanies such events, which contravenes the Odisha Prohibition of Gambling Act.
Some activists, however, advocate for legal recognition. “Following Tamil Nadu’s example of legalising Jallikattu, our govt should consider similar amendments for cockfighting,” suggested social activist Nagendra Jena.
Suprasana Mallick, additional superintendent of police, Kalinganagar, maintained that cockfights are illegal, and steps are being taken to prevent them. “We’re also conducting awareness programmes to discourage participation and betting,” Mallick said.
The traditional sport, deeply embedded in tribal culture, draws large crowds who gather to watch roosters battle in makeshift arenas. “Cockfight games have been part of our tradition for generations. People come in large numbers to witness these events,” said Narendra Bishra of Gobaraghati village.
Fights start from Makar Sankranti and bets as low as Rs 10 are placed on the fights. On Wednesday, a cockfight at Dhulipasi village attracted hundreds of spectators who cheered as two roosters engaged in combat, accompanied by traditional drum beats. According to Mahendra Jaraka of Dhuliapasi village, the birds are often intoxicated before fights to increase their aggression.
The fights follow specific rules, explained Parikhita Munda from Chingudipala village. “Each bout includes a 15-minute fight with intervals for rest. A cock is considered defeated if its beak touches the ground or it flees the arena,” Munda said.
Animal rights activists are concerned about these events. Sudhanshu Parida, secretary of district unit of People for Animals, pointed out that such fights violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. He also highlighted the fact that illegal betting accompanies such events, which contravenes the Odisha Prohibition of Gambling Act.
Some activists, however, advocate for legal recognition. “Following Tamil Nadu’s example of legalising Jallikattu, our govt should consider similar amendments for cockfighting,” suggested social activist Nagendra Jena.
Suprasana Mallick, additional superintendent of police, Kalinganagar, maintained that cockfights are illegal, and steps are being taken to prevent them. “We’re also conducting awareness programmes to discourage participation and betting,” Mallick said.
