Feathers and fortunes at stake Premium

Experience the excitement and controversy of cockfights during the Sankranthi harvest festival in Andhra Pradesh, India.

As Sankranthi approaches, the harvest festival once again heralds a lively transformation in the verdant villages nestled among coconut groves, paddy fields, and meandering canals across Andhra Pradesh. In the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur, anticipation builds for the most awaited blood sport of the year. The tranquil landscape is set to give way to arenas where trained, well-fed roosters turn gladiators. The cleared expanses of paddy fields serve as battlegrounds, echoing with enthusiastic cheers for more action amid the sombre spilling of blood.

“Last year, I had placed a bet on Dega for ₹50,000, and on Nemali for ₹60,000. Dega won two games; its stamina is very high,” P. Ramu , a spectator, reminisces about the battle of roosters in Palakol mandal of West Godavari district. “I am excited for this year,” he adds.

This year, the cockfights are scheduled for January 14, 15, and 16. “Sankranthi without rooster fights is incomplete, and we organise them with the support of locals and community elders,” says J. Ranga Rao, an organiser, who adds that fights will be seen at more than 500 places across the State.

The arenas in villages paint a vivid picture — huge tents pulsating with a sea of eager crowds hooting and blowing whistles, punters carrying the prized roosters, floodlights illuminating the scene and luxury vehicles dotting the landscape. Throngs of enthusiasts flock to Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu, East Godavari, Guntur, and other districts in Andhra Pradesh, immersing themselves in the practice that even the elderly remember from their youth.

“I have never seen a Sankranthi celebration without cockfights. Many people will visit our village to participate in and bet on rooster fights,” says B. Koteswara Rao (75), a resident of Manikonda village in Krishna district.

Around Sankranthi, the cockfight hubs start overflowing with visitors. The cultural practice transcends demographics, drawing celebrities and regular people alike: film actors, realtors, businessmen, IT professionals, NRIs, women, students.

“Cockfights are part of village tradition, and enjoyed by families,” says 20-year-old K. Srivalli, a resident of Bhimavaram village, the headquarters of West Godavari district.