Sankranti cockfights: Masses flock to Godavari villages in Andhra Pradesh to gamble crores of rupees

Sankranti cockfights. File Photo/PTI

Scores of villages in the Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh witnessed a surge of punters and spectators on Sunday as they gathered for the traditional Sankranti cockfighting, where crores of rupees were wagered.

In Pedamiram village near Bhimavaram, West Godavari district, enthusiasts from various states and even overseas descended to partake in the gambling festivities.

One participant, M Prabhu (27) from Telangana, shared his annual tradition of attending Sankranti cockfights in Bhimavaram. "I came from Shamirpet village near Hyderabad. Every year I come to Bhimavaram to watch Sankranti cockfights. Some of my friends engage in gambling," Prabhu told newswire PTI.

Prabhu was posing for photographs at a Sankranti-themed selfie point beside a large white tent where the roosters armed with sharp knives fastened to their feet are competing in the bloody sport.

Punters, equipped with cash-filled bags, placed bets on roosters that had been meticulously trained and well-fed for months leading up to the Sankranti celebrations. Spectators, both inside the ring and outside watching on LED screens, engaged in gambling activities.

Additionally, a separate tent hosted poker games for gambling enthusiasts from Hyderabad and Telangana, complete with seating arrangements for over 1,000 participants, cash counting machines, and card-swiping facilities.

While cockfights took center stage, other forms of gambling, including board games, also garnered attention. The festivities, featuring cockfights and various gambling activities, are anticipated to continue for three days, spanning across Godavari districts and others such as Krishna, NTR, and more.

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Though the majority of the participants are men, a few women, children and families also showed up at the cockfights as part of Sankranti celebrations.

The cockfights and gambling are expected to last for three days until the end of the festival not only in Godavari districts but also a few others such as Krishna, NTR and others.

Every year India experiences a burst of festive joy as Makar Sankranti, the Harvest Festival, is celebrated nationwide. The occasion holds both religious and seasonal significance, marking the transition of the Sun from one zodiac constellation to the next, particularly emphasizing the auspicious "Poush Sankranti." (With inputs from PTI)