Cockfighting is concentrated in north eastern and southern states of India. This traditional game in India is popular in the Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam and some parts of West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
In Tamil Language, cock fighting is known as "Vetrukkaal seval porr" It is known as "Kodi Pandem" in Telugu language and "Kori katta" in Tulu language.
Cock fighting in Southern India
Cock fighting is a favourite sport of people living in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, Dakshina Kannada District and Udupi district of Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka, and the state of Tamil Nadu. There are three or four-inch blades attached to the cocks` feet. The knockout fights to the death are widely practiced in Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu, the winner is decided after three or four rounds. The people watch with intense interest surrounding the cocks. The sport has gradually become a gambling sport in some parts of southern India. In Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Thanjavur District, Tiruchirapalli District, Trichy and Salem District, only naked heel sport is performed. In Erode District, Tiruppur District, Karur District and Coimbatore district only bloody blade fights are conducted. During festival seasons, especially in Makar Sankranti times, this is the major game for men. Women normally do not participate in this game. There are many rare breeds preserved by these cockfighters.
Cock fighting in Jharkhand
Cock fighting is also popular in Jharkhand region. This game is regionally known as "pada" and the spurs are called "kant". There are lots of people enjoying the game.
Cock fighting in Chhattisgarh
This game is popular in tribal belts of Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh. People mostly used this game as the part of spirit and the war between the two roosters.
Cock fighting in North Eastern States
Cock fighting is popular in northeastern states of India like Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. Nagaland is the land of cock fighters. This sport in Nagaland and other northeastern states consists of kicking solely with the legs of the roosters. It is quite similar with Tae-Kwan-Do. In Nagaland, tourists also enjoy the cock fighting and now it is the part of tourism promotion.
Cockfighting in Madhya Pradesh
Cock fighting is also dominant in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The region of Madhya Pradesh is the locale of fairs and festivals, which also became its style mantra. Apart from celebrating all other Indian festivals like Holi, Dussehra, the tribal festivals and fairs are also observed in full vigour and merrymaking. The revelry, drinks and alien amusement like cock fighting, dancing, label these tribal festivals in Madhya Pradesh. Here cock fighting is hosted with intense sponsorships of the local businessmen.
Religious Significance of Cock fighting in India
Cockfights in India are accurately expressed as secular cockfight. It is an intense sport, recreation, or pastime game in India. But this cock fights has ancient religious significance. It is a ritual and a sacred ceremony, associated with the "daivasthanams" (temples) and held at the temples precincts of southern part of India. The "kozhi kettu" is a part of the temple rituals.
Indian Literature and Cock fighting
The cockfighting in Tamil Nadu is mentioned in ancient literature like Manu Needhi Sastiram, Kattu Seval Sastiram and other Sangam Literature of Tamil Nadu that are 2,000 years old. In early days, fights were arranged with the jungle fowl and its variants. Later, the kings of Chola Dynasty and Pandyan kings undertook many naval expeditions to Java and Malay and the game later spread to many countries of South East Asia like Malaya Peninsular, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia.
