If you want to see the glory of Sankranti, you have to go to Telugu villages. Usually, South states celebrate this festival as the farmers get new crops. But this ‘Parvadana’ becomes very special in Telugus households. That is why it has become a ‘Pedda Panduga’ (big festival) for all the Telugu people irrespective of their caste and status. Specialty of the festival is - tasty dishes, high-flying colourful kites, beautifully drawn Rangoli, the most impressive of all is the ‘Kodi pandelu’. That is – centurion old Cockfighting.
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). Festival is celebrated with various customs and traditions, and it holds particular cultural significance in the Telugu-speaking states. Cockfighting takes place in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and other parts of India such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Odisha. Roosters are specially bred for cockfights, with knives and blades tied to their legs. The fight typically results in the death of one of the birds.
Cockfight, Centurion old Tradition
Cockfighting has been traditionally associated with Sankranti celebrations in Telugu regions. The Godavari districts of AP are famous for betting and gambling. Events will be held in secret places of Palnadu, Konaseema and Godavari areas. Andhra’s Las Vegas Bheemavaram and adjacent Narsapuram areas are hub for such events. Some of the MPs, MLAs, ministers, high-level officials, and political leaders... lakhs of people participate in these celebrations. It is estimated that around 20 lakh people will attend the celebrations organized in various parts of coastal districts during the festival days. Leaders of all parties and all people of all castes will participate. People from neighboring states also come to watch the Godavari district cockfights. Betting of crores of rupees is done. It is estimated that more than Rs 1000 crores will change hands through the betting and gambling gangs.
The Gambling Culture
Cockfighting involves two roosters, or gamecocks, pitted against each other in a ring or arena, with the intention of one rooster emerging victorious by incapacitating or killing the other. Bets are commonly placed on the outcomes of these fights, making it not just a form of entertainment but also a significant aspect of local gambling culture.
During the festival, people often engage in cockfighting as a form of entertainment and cultural practice. Despite its cultural significance, cockfighting is a controversial practice, and there are ethical concerns about the treatment of animals involved in such events. Animal welfare activists and organizations often advocate for the prohibition of cockfighting due to these concerns.
In recent years, there has been increased awareness and legal action against cockfighting in various parts of India. Laws regulating animal welfare have led to the prohibition of such activities, and authorities have worked to enforce these laws during festivals like Sankranti. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India upheld a ban on cockfighting and bullock cart races, stating that these practices amounted to cruelty towards animals. Despite the legal restrictions, cockfighting has persisted in some areas as a clandestine and illegal activity.
Battle of Palnadu & Rooster Fight!
Cockfighting has a long history in the Telugu states. It has been a traditional and cultural practice in these regions for centuries, deeply rooted in the rural way of life. Historically, cockfighting was not only a form of recreation but was also associated with religious and cultural festivities. It was often organized during festivals and other important events, adding to the festive atmosphere. Participants considered it a way to showcase the strength and breeding prowess of their roosters. While the exact origins of cockfighting in the Telugu states are not well-documented, it is known to have existed for a considerable period from Palnadu rulers (12 century).
It is recorded that the outcome of the Battle of Palnadu (1178–1182) was decided by a rooster fight, following which cockfighting gained foothold in Andhra Pradesh. As per the history of Palnadu Battle - mutual suspicion between the two kingdoms grew and Nagamma under the pretext of Malideva's defeat in a cockfight exiled them for 7 years from Palnadu region.
