Cockfighting at Sankranti: A High-Stakes Tradition in Andhra Pradesh

As the Sankranti festival approaches, one of the most anticipated events in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh is the traditional cockfighting. This high-stakes spectacle, with bets ranging from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs, is already in full swing, with elaborate preparations underway for this age-old practice.

A Thriving Scene in the Godavari Districts

Cockfighting has kicked off across the Godavari districts, with iron fences, bouncers, and heavy security measures in place around the arenas. Political leaders and their associates are deeply involved in the management of these events, which continue for four to five days, starting from Bhogi day.

In each mandal across both the East and West Godavari districts, large cages have been set up to house over one lakh chickens, ready for the upcoming matches. Despite the state High Court's ban on cockfighting, authorities' attempts to shut down the cages have been largely ineffective, and the fights continue to take place.

The enormous scale of this event is evident, with millions of rupees changing hands each year. Cockfighting alone is responsible for around Rs. 1,500 crore in gambling, with additional money flowing through games like poker and gundam. This activity has become a tradition, deeply embedded in the culture of the region.

Big Bets and Social Media Buzz

Organizers have meticulously planned the matches based on factors such as the day of the week, direction, and chicken breed. Roosters of various breeds, including crow, pheasant, eagle, and peacock, are carefully selected for the fights. The details of where and when the races will take place are shared widely on social media, ensuring a large turnout.

The markets in West Godavari, particularly in Tanaku and Achanta, are abuzz with activity. Each cockfighting match here is valued at over Rs. 25 lakhs, and the region has become a hotspot for those eager to participate in or witness the high-stakes action.

The Largest Cockfighting Arena in Muramalla

The largest cockfighting arena in East Godavari is located in Muramalla, I.Polavaram Mandal, where bets range between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh. Iron fences, drones, CCTV cameras, and LED screens have been set up to ensure a secure environment for the spectators, while VIP passes are issued to grant access to the event. Despite heavy police presence, the cockfights continue, drawing in prominent public figures, including MPs, MLAs, and local leaders.

Popular Locations for Cockfighting

The cockfighting arenas in East Godavari’s Muramalla, Katrenikona, and Vetlapalem, along with West Godavari’s Bhimavaram, Vempa, Sisali, and Dumbagadapa, are particularly famous. However, the activity is widespread, with hundreds of villages across both districts participating in the tradition. The stakes for each game vary, with large matches attracting high-value bets, while smaller games start at Rs. 50,000.

The Demand for Defeated Chicken Meat

An intriguing aspect of the cockfighting tradition is the demand for the meat of defeated chickens. Often, there are more people waiting to purchase the meat of a losing chicken than there are bettors. A chicken that survives the brutal fight and earns its owner a large sum is valued even after its death. The meat is sold for thousands of rupees and is often gifted to relatives, political leaders, and officials as a token of appreciation.

Roasting stalls set up near the arenas have become popular, and last year, the price of the meat was Rs. 1,000 per kilo. With increasing demand this year, prices are expected to rise. Even chickens that are injured but not severely harmed may return to the ring, while those that suffer serious injuries are sold for their meat, which is particularly prized for its lean, flavorful quality.

As the cockfights continue throughout the festival, it is clear that this practice remains deeply ingrained in the local culture, with large sums of money, political involvement, and intense social interest surrounding the events.