Record-Breaking Bets Mark Cockfighting in Andhra Pradesh's Sankranti Festivities
During the three-day Sankranti festival, cockfighting emerged as a dominant spectacle across Andhra Pradesh, with an estimated billions of rupees exchanging hands. From Konaseema to Rayalaseema, the state buzzed with the fervor of cockfights, which resembled grand festivals in their scale. In West Godavari districts, individual bets reached record amounts, with one fight in Eluru commanding ₹2 crore. Eastern Godavari districts hosted over 1,500 bouts.
The gambling fervor extended to card games, with high stakes in districts like Kakinada. One organizer in Prathipadu Mandal reportedly managed a business worth ₹1.2 crore over the three days.
Cockfights began modestly on Bhogi but gained full momentum on Sankranti and Kanuma. Crowds surged at arenas, particularly in Bapatla district’s Nagaram Mandal, where organizers devised creative strategies to attract participants, including serving traditional delicacies like nattukodi pulusu and ragi sankati. In the united Guntur district, individual bets went as high as ₹7 lakh.
Some events featured female anchors to add excitement, while the police conducted sporadic raids to curb the activities. However, in many places, the lack of enforcement allowed the events to continue unhindered.
Tragedy and Tensions Amid Celebrations
In East Godavari’s Khandavalli village, an 18-year-old named Kommichetty Gangadhar attempted suicide after a dispute over a ₹200 gambling win. He suffered severe burns and is currently under treatment. Meanwhile, winners of cockfights in Kakinada districts walked away with extravagant prizes, including Mahindra Thar vehicles and motorcycles.
In NTR district’s Chandarlapadu Mandal, unique events like rabbit races attracted attention. However, the Sankranti celebrations were not without mishaps. In Tirupati district’s E. Rangampeta village, a jallikattu event turned tragic when bulls charged the spectators, injuring four people.
Adding to the festive ambiance, prominent anchor Sreemukhi entertained crowds in Narsapuram, making it a memorable occasion for attendees.