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The tiny birds entered the ring as nearly 3,000 spectators applauded, some standing on trucks for a better view, while others clung to branches in trees.
After a nine-year hiatus, bird and buffalo fights are back at festivals in India’s northeast after the Supreme Court ended a ban on the tradition.
Despite opposition from wildlife activists, animal fights were organized last week during Assam’s Magh Bihu harvest festival, under a new state law that promises to make the contests safe for the animals.
At a temple on the outskirts of the state capital, the bulbuls — songbirds about the size of a bluejay — fluttered up in the air and swooped down on their opponents, their owners holding a string tied around their legs. Some spectators made bets with each other.
Three judges watch the birds’ technique, and give the winner’s owner with a cash prize of 3,000 rupees ($35).
Dijen Bharali, an organizer, said the fights are safe for the bulbuls. “The small birds get tired after the fight…
