Hajo, January 16, 2024 – Breaking a nine-year hiatus, the traditional bulbuli fight has reemerged as part of the Magh Bihu festivities in Assam. This revival is a noteworthy moment for the state’s cultural heritage, given the historical significance of these events in harvest festival celebrations.
The Assam government, having granted approval for the reinstatement of these fights, emphasizes that strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is mandatory to ensure the welfare of the animals involved.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressing his elation on social media, stated, “Revitalizing our ancient customs and rituals has been a foundational aspect of our policies. After nearly a decade, I had the opportunity to witness the bulbuli fight, a quintessential Bihu tradition recently reinstated by our government.”
Addressing previous misconceptions, Sarma clarified during a media interaction, “There was a misunderstanding about the ‘Bulbuli fight,’ with concerns about injuries and bloodshed among the birds. Today, having witnessed the event, I can confirm that there is no harm…the fight lasts only two minutes, after which the birds are released unharmed.”
Bulbuli fights faced a ban by the Gauhati High Court in 2015 due to apprehensions regarding animal cruelty. Now, as part of the state’s initiative to preserve age-old customs and traditions, the Assam cabinet has given “in-principle approval” for the organization of both buffalo and bulbuli fights. However, this approval is contingent on the strict adherence to specific SOPs aimed at preventing cruelty to the animals.
The reintroduction of bulbuli fights underscores the Assam government’s dedication to upholding cultural practices while carefully balancing the imperative of animal protection. This decision has garnered approval from local communities, expressing their happiness at the prospect of organizing these events once again and pledging to meticulously follow the prescribed SOPs.
