The game of cockfight is part and parcel of tribal tradition in Jharkhand and remains a major medium of entertainment even in the days of television, protests from animal lovers notwithstanding.
Small blades or knives are tied to the foot of the fowls so that they can cause maximum injury to the opponent. The game ends when a foul sustains serious injuries or dies, caused by the other fowl.
Although animal rights groups are opposed to the game, two Jharkhand ministers were seen busy in the traditional sport Sunday in the steel city of Jamshedpur.
Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto and Land and Revenue Minister Dulal Bhuiya were encouraging their fowls.
While the game has been a tribal tradition since ages, to most cockfight lovers Ramgarh village is a favourite venue.
Before the fight, the cock is kept in a dark room for one week to ignite anger. 'We give them clove before fight, which keeps them warm. But on the day of fight they are not fed, which make them angrier,' said Shivanandan, a cock owner.
Owners also say that the cocks used for fighting are kept separate from the groups. They are prepared to gain stamina and strength to defeat the opponent.
They are also taught how to attack and defend.
'I regularly watch the game. It gives us immense pleasure. This is our medium of entertainment,' said Ganesh Kumar, a resident of Ramgarh.
Small blades or knives are tied to the foot of the fowls so that they can cause maximum injury to the opponent. The game ends when a foul sustains serious injuries or dies, caused by the other fowl.
Although animal rights groups are opposed to the game, two Jharkhand ministers were seen busy in the traditional sport Sunday in the steel city of Jamshedpur.
Deputy Chief Minister Sudhir Mahto and Land and Revenue Minister Dulal Bhuiya were encouraging their fowls.
While the game has been a tribal tradition since ages, to most cockfight lovers Ramgarh village is a favourite venue.
Before the fight, the cock is kept in a dark room for one week to ignite anger. 'We give them clove before fight, which keeps them warm. But on the day of fight they are not fed, which make them angrier,' said Shivanandan, a cock owner.
Owners also say that the cocks used for fighting are kept separate from the groups. They are prepared to gain stamina and strength to defeat the opponent.
They are also taught how to attack and defend.
'I regularly watch the game. It gives us immense pleasure. This is our medium of entertainment,' said Ganesh Kumar, a resident of Ramgarh.
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