Hajo steals the show with Bulbuli fight

Hajo is throbbing with the activities for sports of birds which is unique in its kind. On Magh Sankranti, thousands of people from across the north eastern region rush to the Haigriv temple premises to see this traditional fight of Bulibuli birds. Usually, its preparation began from mid December each year. Those willing to participants in the fight trap the birds from the nearby forest and keep them with care. The local residents further train up the tamed birds for fighting with each other.



Also on the eve of the day, these tamed birds are made addicted with alcoholic substances. But after the fight is over, these are freed again, say Balin Das, a local residence.



There is no reliable evidence to know the period of its beginning at the Haigriv Madhav temple Premises.



"We believe it to have started during the Ahom Swargadeo Rudra Singha. They further came to learn that the Ahom king was very much impressed at the fight of a pair of Bulibuli while he was there to visit the temple. Later on, it became a tradition," says Ananta Kalita.



This time, the fight of birds was opposed by several non governmental organizations. Terming it as an animal cruelty, they warned the people to stop the fight of birds. But the local residents are stick to the tradition.



"Its our tradition and we will maintain it," say a few distinguished people in the area adding that there is no harm for these wild birds adding that these bids are kept with due care for a month.