Bhogali Bihu in Assam loses its charm because of ban on bulbuli fights

January is a festive season in Assam with the end of the harvest season. But, the Bhogali Bihu has lost its charm due to ban on the traditional 'Bulbuli fights' (nightingale fights) at the Haigriva Madhav temple in Assam's Hajo township. The ban has been imposed by the Supreme Court on animal fights.
This has been reported in thestatesman.com dated 20 January 2017.

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, was celebrated on January 15, which usually coincides with Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Lohri festivals in other parts of the country - these are all festivals to celebrate the end of the harvest season.
People have been engaged for generations in catching and training the nightingales or Bulbuls -- as the bird is commonly known in other parts of India -- for the unique event. The ban has not only robbed their bread and butter but has also taken away the sheen from the festival. There is no documented history about when Bulbuli fights started, but, old-timers believe that it was started between 1744 and 1751 by the Ahom King Swargadeo Pramatta Singha during his rule.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Cumbum cow temple in Tamil Nadu where cows and bulls are worshipped

Farmers in Cumbum in Tamil Nadu believe that calves that are born on the second of Thai (Tamil month) are gods to the people of several villages in the valley. These animals are not used for commercial or domestic purpose but, treated as their family deities and are offered to Sri Thambiran Maatu Thozhu, the cow temple, in Cumbum.
These people strongly believe that male or female calf born on Thai 2 has a divinity.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 16 January 2017.

The temple now has more than 200 cows and bulls and no one collects milk from cows or use the bulls for any work. The unique Okkaliga Gouder community people have been maintaining this temple and feeding the cattle throughout the year and Pongal celebration is the major festival of this temple.
Even after death, these animals are treated as heavenly creatures and are buried royally in a separate yard within the temple complex.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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