Godavari districts decked up for cockfights ahead of Sankranti

HYDERABAD: As Sankranti approaches, many cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh have decked up for massive celebrations. The focus would be Godavari districts which is famous for organising cockfights.

The culture of cock fights has its roots in the rural areas the State. It has been a traditional practice during the Sankranti festival for many years. The villagers engage in friendly competitions, betting on which rooster would win the race. The popularity of cockfights has grown over time, with thousands of spectators and significant sums of money involved in the bets.

Various types of chickens participate in these fights with the involvement of popular breeds, including Melu, Nattu, and Kadaknath. These chickens are specifically chosen and trained for cockfight, which undergo special care and are fed a nutritious diet to ensure their strength and stamina.

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The preparation for cockfights begins around three months before the Sankranti festival. During this time, the Melu breed chickens are selected and reared with utmost care. They are provided with a balanced diet that includes almonds and dry fruits to enhance their physical abilities.

On the day of the fight, the chickens are taken to the fields early in the morning. They are allowed to swim and exercise, which helps develop their muscles and agility. Owners of the roosters take great pride in their birds and consider them like their own children, providing them with the best possible care.

All in all, cockfights are an integral part of the Sankranti festival in Telugu states. They bring joy and excitement to the festivities and are a reflection of the rich cultural traditions of the region.