Prelims – History of India, Current events of national importance.
Why in News?
Recently, Legislators from all parties in the Goa assembly have demanded the legalisation of bull fighting.
Bull fighting in Goa, locally referred as Dhirio or Dhiri
It is a custom to organise fights after the harvest season.
Dhiri was a part and parcel of Every Church fest and villagers gather to witness the sport in which two thorough-bred bulls fight each other.
Bulls and Training - It begins with two bulls dashing at each other and locking horns.
They head-butt each other, repeatedly charge and retreat, provoked by trainers standing behind them.
It can be over in a few minutes or stretch for more than an hour.
The bull that is pushed out of the arena first or runs away loses the fight, unlike in Spain where the fight ends only when the animal is killed.
Historical relevance – The practice dates back to the Harappan civilization and evidence suggests that such fights were held for sport and entertainment.
Cultural relevance –Traditionally held in paddy fields and football grounds of Goa.
Selected and trained bulls who have been brought to the fighting pitch.
Issues –Bullfighting involves pitting two bulls against each other in a violent and often bloody confrontation.
These events subject the animals to significant physical and psychological harm, including fractures, puncture wounds, and severe stress.
Bulls can even be stabbed to death at times.
Current status – The high court banned this practice in 1997, citing violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Challenges –Fights continue to be organised secretly in coastal villages of South and North Goa.
