Sankranthi celebrations in Andhra Pradesh have taken a unique turn.
From the Telangana border to the Godavari districts, the festival now prominently features cockfighting, often accompanied by gambling, alcohol, and feasting.
Flex banners and invitations highlight local political leaders and cockfighting symbols, presenting these events as grand cultural celebrations.
Over the past five years, newspapers reported on illegal gambling during Sankranthi, with courts issuing prohibitory orders. However, the situation has changed.
A major daily recently detailed the organized arrangements for cockfighting festivals, including floodlights, massive grounds, and tenders worth lakhs. There’s little criticism—no mentions of cruelty or government negligence—only praise for the event’s scale.
Cockfighting has grown into a lucrative industry, with crores exchanging hands. If regulated with licenses, similar to wine shops, the government could earn significant revenue.
This approach is no different from legal casinos abroad or in Goa. Proper regulation could make it official, tapping into its tourism potential.
Interestingly, media reactions vary depending on the government in power.
While the YSRCP faced backlash for cultural policies, the coalition government enjoys support for similar initiatives.
The trend of Sankranthi cockfighting as a systematic, profit-driven event continues to thrive, merging tradition with modern commercialization.
Streamlining this activity would fetch a lot of GST to the government every year in January.