Morigaon, Jan 16: Traditional buffalo fights, locally known as ‘Moh juj’, were held in parts of Morigaon district during Magh Bihu celebrations on Thursday, despite a Supreme Court ban on the practice.
The events took place in Baidyabori and Ahatguri areas of central Assam and drew large crowds from nearby regions, according to local media reports. Officials declined to comment on the matter, stating that the issue is sub judice.
In Baidyabori, more than 40 pairs of buffaloes were reportedly fielded, with some bouts lasting over 20 minutes. Ahatguri witnessed clashes involving 33 pairs of buffaloes. The events are traditionally associated with Magh Bihu celebrations in Morigaon, Sivasagar and other Upper Assam districts.
The Supreme Court, in a 2014 judgment, prohibited buffalo fights, citing animal cruelty. More recently, the Gauhati High Court, in December 2024, struck down the Assam government’s 2023 standard operating procedure that had allowed buffalo and bulbul bird fights during Magh Bihu.
Despite the court orders, bulbul bird fights were also reported to have continued at the Hayagriva Madhav temple in Hajo.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to exempt traditional buffalo fights from the definition of animal cruelty. The bill, passed unanimously by the Assembly in November, is modelled on provisions that allow Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.
