Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma witnessed revival of bulbuli fight at Hayagriva Madhav Mandir

Close on the heels of the Cabinet decision and a detailed SoP approved by the it, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma witnessed the revival of bulbuli fight, a quintessential tradition of the Bhogali Bihu at Shri Hayagriva Madhav Mandir at Hojo.

It may be noted that this ancient tradition of Bihu was recently revived by the State government.

Therefore, after nearly a decade, the devotees of the Hayagriva Madhav mandir and other enthusiasts could witness the bulbuli fight and enjoyed the ancient heritage as a part of the Bhogali Bihu celebrations.


This competition dates back to the days of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha and in December 2023, the State government decided to revive it after a gap of nine years.

Sarma along with wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and his son and daughter visited Hayagriva Madhav Mandir and offered their pujas.

In December last year Assam cabinet gave 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.

Rhe 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.

Ahatguri has been organizing buffalo fights as a tournament since 1972. However, since 2014 it has discontinued the practice.