Guwahati, Jan 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participated in the ‘Bulbul Chorair Jud’ at Hayagriva Madhav Mandir Campus in Assam’s Hajo on Monday.

During the event, the Chief Minister observed a bulbul bird fight in the presence of thousands of spectators. It’s noteworthy that such fights had been discontinued for an extended period following a court order.

The state government had imposed a ban in 2015, aligning with the Supreme Court’s prohibition on jallikattu in Tamil Nadu in 2014. The recent resumption of the fights during the Magh Bihu festival suggests a potential reassessment or change in the regulatory framework surrounding these cultural events.

Nine years ago, the Assam government permitted the organisation of buffalo and bulbul fights during the Magh Bihu festival. However, on December 27, a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued to prevent cruelty or intentional harm to animals during these events.

HCM Dr @himantabiswa spent #MaghBihu amidst the people of Assam today.

After offering prayers to the Meji in morning, HCM visited the Sri Hayagriva Madhav Mandir and witnessed the Bulbuli fight, revived after 9 years due to the efforts of Govt of Assam.

Highlights 👇 pic.twitter.com/3acunPwCUw

— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) January 15, 2024

According to the SOP, permission to conduct fights is restricted to places with a documented history of organizing such events for at least 25 years. This measure aims to strike a balance between cultural traditions and the humane treatment of animals during festive celebrations.

“I wish all the people of Assam on the occasion of Bhogli Bihu, may it bring happiness and joy in your life. I only wish that there was this belief among the people that the bird gets harmed in the fight between the bulbul and the bird. This belief has ended today. I myself have seen it in my eyes. It has been seen that there is no harm in it, and this traditional practice will continue for a long time,” the CM said.

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