(IN): Intoxicated birds fight as part of Bhogali Bihu

January 16, 2009

*Intoxicated birds fight as part of Bhogali Bihu*

: HAJO, Jan 15: Over 300 intoxicated bulbul birds fought one another so that

their cheering owners could win a trophy and cash, as spectators crowded

this village to watch this part of Bhogali Bihu. Every year the dusty

roadside village of Hajo, 30 km west of Guwahati, comes alive during Bhogali

Bihu.

High on locally available intoxicating herbs, scores of the Redvented

Bulbul, a small bird belonging to the Pycnonotus cafer family, are locked in

a bitter fight amid cheers from thousands of spectators.

Bird fights have been an integral part of the Bihu celebrations with the

locals of Hajo preparing for the annual event with tremendous enthusiasm — a

tradition dating back centuries.

The two-day event that concluded on Thursday in the precincts of the sacred

Hindu temple of Hyagriva Madhava here saw at least 300 birds being coaxed

and cajoled to fight by their owners — all for a trophy and a cash reward of

Rs 1,001.

" The preparations for the event begin at least two weeks in advance with

people catching birds using various ingenious means like bamboo traps and

other baits, " village elder Dharani Das said. Once caught, the owner grooms

the 20-centimetre-long bird for the big day.

" We make a concoction containing bananas and some locally available

intoxicating herbs, some black pepper, clove, and cinnamon, and feed the

bird regularly to make them strong and sharp for the fight, " local resident

Madahab Bora said.

Tied with a string on its legs, the inebriated birds start fighting one

another aggressively, surrounded by clapping crowds who gather in large

numbers at the temple ground.

" These bird fights are going on for ages and is now an integral part of the

Bhogali Bihu traditions. People in hordes come to witness this annual

festival from far, " said Sunkon Deka, a schoolteacher.

" Once the fight is over, the locals set all the birds free, " an organizer of

this unique bird fight said. IANS

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