Assam cabinet nods to regulate traditional buffalo fights for Magh Bihu celebrations

Assam cabinet has given in-principle approval to the issue of detailed procedure/SOP for permitting traditional buffalo and bull fights to be organised during Magh Bihu at Ahatguri, Morigaon district, Nagaon district or in any other part of Assam.

The cabinet meeting stated that the SOP aims at ensuring no deliberate torture or cruelty is carried out on the animals and their well-being is provided for by the organisers during the annual Moh-juj festival, an integral part of the centuries-old Assamese cultural tradition

The Supreme Court had banned traditional buffalo fights.


In Magh Bihu celebration (which is held in the month of January) the buffalo fights are organised as a part of the age-old tradition in Morigaon.

Fights were held in Ahatguri and Raha.

These fights were organised however informally. The Supreme Court in 2014 passed an order prohibiting all animal races and fights, thereby directing the Animal Welfare Board of India and the government to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering to animals.

Following the Supreme court ban these fights are not organised as a tournament. Now some buffalo owners individually do it.