Sankranti buzz grips both Godavari districts as cockfights gear up

Sankranti instantly brings to mind the festive vibrancy of the undivided Godavari districts. Among the three days of celebrations, cockfighting remains a major attraction. People from nearby villages as well as distant regions gather to witness the contests, where lakhs of rupees change hands at the arenas.

Preparing the fighting roosters is an elaborate and disciplined process. Roosters known by names such as Dega, Kaki Dega, Kokkirayi, and Nemali are put through special diets and training starting from Dussehra itself. Every fifteen days, herbal leaves like vayila, neem, soapnut, gooseberry leaves, vettiver roots, and turmeric are boiled in water, and the roosters are bathed in this warm decoction.

To retain the heat and steam, the birds are wrapped in gunny bags for some time, followed by swimming practice and customized exercises. Organisers say this rigorous regimen helps the roosters perform confidently in the arena. These visuals are from a farm in Kattamuru village of Peddapuram mandal, Kakinada district, where the birds are being readied for the festive contests.