Rajamahendravaram: Punters in dilemma over conduct of cockfights

Rajamahendravaram: The forecast of second wave Covid-19 pandemic shown its impact on age-old cockfights in East Godavari district. Usually, one month prior to three-day Sankranthi festival, cockfight organisers wil identify arenas and punters also ready to bet lakhs of rupees on lethal fights.

But this year, cockfight organisers are in doubt to what extent they can succeed in holding the cockfights in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic guidelines and government restrictions. They are also unsure of getting back their investment on cockfights. The cockfight organisers also thinking that how many punters will come forward to participate in the cockfights.

Meanwhile, the punters who come from far away places also making enquiries about the cockfights. Punters from across the state and from other countries also participate in the cockfights. According to a punter VV Raju, due to Covid-19 pandemic, no one is showing interest to purchase the roosters this time, as holding of cockfights in a dilemma. No training programmes were being held for the roosters. Usually, the punters purchase variety of roosters such as Kakidega, Kaki, Nemali, Pingali, Dega, Pachhadega, Savala, Kokkera, Abrasum, Tetuva, Chavali, Gattu, Kodikai and Nalla Kokkera.

Mandals such as I Polavaram, Mummidivaram, Katrenikona, Ravulapalem, Razole, Jaggampeta, Tuni and Prattipadu etc are famous for cockfights.