VIJAYAWADA: Cockfight organisers in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh have raised stakes to a new high this Sankranti. Participants can aim for mega prizes like sports bikes and even SUVs. At Penuguduru village in Kakinada district, a cockfight arena has announced Mahindra Thar for owner of the winning rooster. In Gannavaram, Penamalur, Pedana, and Machilipatnam in Krishna district, winners can vroom home in brand new Royal Enfield bullet.
“We thought of trying something different and decided to give a Thar. Cockfights are a part of our tradition. We are not bothered about profits. Our aim is to make the event memorable for participants so that they get what they pay for. We spend the ticket money on prizes,” said an organiser at Penuguduru.
The new trend can be seen even in smaller cockfight events where organisers have decided to give away home appliances, cycles, bikes, and electric scooters to winners.
“Owning a bullet has been my dream, but I can’t afford it. When I came to know that cockfight organisers in Gudivada are giving Royal Enfield to winners, I brought my bird here. I hope it wins. I have trained it well,” said K Vasanth Ram, a B.Tech final year student in Krishna district, who bought the rooster from his pocket money. He holds it close to his heart.
“We are giving a Royal Enfield bullet daily for all three days of Sankranti. The rooster that defeats its opponent in the shortest time will secure the prize,” said a cockfight organiser in Gudivada.
The high-value prizes this year have drawn participants from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, and arenas resemble a mini indoor stadium with elaborate setups, floodlights, and large LED screens. Organisers believe the new trend will foster greater enthusiasm for the traditional sport besides adding an extra layer of excitement for the spectators.
Meanwhile, Prattipati Ramana (name changed), a 55-year-old farmer from West Godavari in Andhra, still remembers the days when crowds cheered at his rooster, which went on to win a dozen bouts in its prime. “There were no flashing of knives or pools of blood during those contests. The fights were regarded as recreational activity rather than a gambling event. The wagers were modest,” says Ramana.