Despite ban, high-stakes cockfights dominate Sankranti festivities in Andhra Pradesh

Despite the legal restrictions, cockfighting remains a lucrative and culturally ingrained practice in the region.

As Sankranti festivities kicked off with Bhogi on Monday, the delta regions of the Godavari and Krishna rivers in Andhra Pradesh have become hubs for the controversial and high-stakes tradition of rooster fights. Despite being banned, the bloody sport continues unabated, drawing massive crowds and fostering a thriving gambling culture.

In several areas, including Seesali, Peda Amiram, Akiveedu, Mahadevpatnam, and Duggiral in the West Godavari and Eluru districts, ‘Baris’ or cockfighting arenas have emerged. These arenas feature roosters equipped with razors on their legs, battling for victory as punters wager hundreds of crores of rupees.

Organisers have added a new layer of excitement with high-value prizes, such as motorcycles, Royal Enfield Bullets, and even SUVs. In Penuguduru village of Kakinada district, a Mahindra Thar SUV is up for grabs for the owner of the winning rooster, while arenas in Gudivada are awarding a Royal Enfield Bullet every day for three days. Smaller events are offering prizes like home appliances, electric scooters, and cycles.

Beyond the cockfights, casino-style gambling activities have become commonplace, with entry fees ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. Temporary liquor shops have been set up at these venues, adding to the festive atmosphere. Elaborate setups, including floodlights, LED screens, and arena-style seating, have transformed these events into grand spectacles, attracting participants and spectators from cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, explicitly bans animal fights and related activities. Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh High Court had reiterated this ban last year, directing district authorities, particularly in East and West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts, to strictly enforce the prohibition.

Despite the legal restrictions, cockfighting remains a lucrative and culturally ingrained practice in the region. Fighting roosters are sold for as much as Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, with prices spiking in the weeks leading up to Sankranti.

Alongside cockfighting, these events often serve as hotspots for other illegal activities, including illicit liquor sales and unregulated gambling. Critics argue that the high-value prizes and extravagant setups only encourage a culture of lawlessness while perpetuating cruelty against animals.

While cockfighting is steeped in local tradition, the practise raises questions about animal welfare, legal enforcement, and the commercialisation of cultural practices. As the Sankranti celebrations progress, the authorities face mounting pressure to address these issues and uphold the rule of law.