Guwahati, Jan 16: Traditional buffalo fights, popularly known as Moh juj, were organised in parts of central Assam’s Morigaon district on January 15 as part of Magh Bihu celebrations, despite a Supreme Court ban on animal duels.
The events took place at Baidyabori and Ahatguri, drawing large gatherings of local residents, according to local media reports. Officials declined to comment, stating that the matter is sub judice.
At Baidyabori, owners brought more than 40 pairs of buffaloes, with several bouts reportedly lasting over 20 minutes. Ahatguri, regarded as the most prominent venue for the tradition, witnessed 33 pairs of buffaloes competing, attracting thousands of spectators eager to watch the age-old practice associated with the harvest festival.
The Assam government had issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in 2023 allowing buffalo fights and Bulbul bird fights during Magh Bihu. However, the Gauhati High Court quashed the SOP in December 2024, citing violations of a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that prohibited animal fights.
While Bulbul bird fights are traditionally held at the Hayagriva Madhav Temple in Hajo in Kamrup district, buffalo fights are usually organised in Morigaon, Sivasagar and several Upper Assam districts, with Ahatguri being the most well-known location.
Meanwhile, the state government initiated steps to legalise the traditional buffalo fights by amending existing laws. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed unanimously by the Assam Assembly in November, seeks to exempt traditional buffalo fights from the definition of animal cruelty, similar to the exemption granted to Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.
