PETA Challenges Traditional Buffalo, Bulbul Fights in Assam

February 5, 2024

Buffalo fighting has been a part of Magh Bihu celebrations in Assam for centuries. The fights are held in various parts of the state during the harvest festival, with the village of Ahatguri in Nagaon district being the most prominent venue. The fights are organized by the local Ahatguri Buffalo Fight Committee and draw large crowds. Participants pit two buffaloes against each other and they lock horns until one buffalo flees, declaring the other as the winner.

Bulbul fighting in Hajo temple

Another tradition involves bulbul fighting at the Hayagriva Madhava Temple in Hajo, about 30km from Guwahati. Rearing and training bulbuls for fighting during Magh Bihu is considered a religious practice by the temple authorities. The fights are held with lamps lit and offerings made to Lord Vishnu. The tradition is claimed to have origins dating back to the rule of the Ahom kings in Assam.

Ban after Supreme Court ruling in 2014

These events were discontinued after the Supreme Court ruling in 2014 that prohibited the use of bulls and other animals for entertainment like jallikattu and bullock cart racing. Following this, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) directed the Assam government to ban animal fights during Bihu. The state government passed orders prohibiting buffalo and bulbul fights in 2015, though some defiant events continued. The Hajo temple authorities also challenged the ban in court.

Revival after amended law in 2021

In May 2021, the Supreme Court approved amendments made by some states to allow jallikattu and similar events, overturning its 2014 judgment. Subsequently, the Assam government approved framing of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for regulated conduct of buffalo and bulbul fights without cruelty. The SOPs restricted fights to traditional venues, prohibited use of drugs or weapons, and mandated care for animals’ well-being. With this, the events resumed in 2022 after a gap of several years.

Recent Context: PETA challenges in High Court

Animal rights group PETA India has now filed petitions in the Gauhati High Court seeking a complete ban on buffalo and bulbul fighting events. PETA claims its investigations found violations of animal cruelty laws and the government’s own SOPs at recent events. It alleges animals were abused and forced to fight despite injuries. The court has admitted the petitions and ordered action against any event violating the SOPs.

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