Guwahati, 15th January: After a hiatus of nine years, Assam welcomes back the traditional bulbuli (bulbul bird) fights during the Magh Bihu festivities. The Assam government has granted approval for the resumption of these cultural events, emphasizing adherence to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the welfare of the animals involved. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his joy at witnessing the revival of this quintessential Bihu tradition and clarified that the fights last for only two minutes without causing harm to the birds.
The reintroduction of bulbuli fights, banned by the Gauhati High Court in 2015 due to animal cruelty concerns, reflects Assam’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The Assam cabinet, recognizing the cultural significance of these events, has given “in-principle approval” for organizing both buffalo and bulbuli fights, under specific SOPs designed to prevent cruelty to the animals. This initiative aims to strike a balance between maintaining age-old customs and traditions and ensuring the protection of animals.
Local communities express their happiness at being able to organize bulbuli fights once again, highlighting their commitment to closely following the SOPs outlined by the government. Assam Chief Minister Sarma dispels previous misconceptions about the fights, emphasizing that the two-minute event causes no harm to the birds. The government’s approach reflects its dedication to breathing life into ancient customs and rituals while addressing concerns related to animal welfare.
The reintroduction of bulbuli fights stands as a testament to Assam’s efforts to honor its cultural practices and traditions, navigating a path that aligns with the state’s commitment to animal protection.
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