Traditional Moh-Juj (buffalo fights) were reportedly held during Magh Bihu in parts of Assam despite a judicial ban.

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• During the recent Magh Bihu celebrations,Moh-Juj were organised at Ahatguri in Morigaon district and Deobali in Raha, even though such events are prohibited by law. 
• Buffalo owners and keepers themselves conducted the fights, reflecting strong emotional attachment to the custom.
• The events were held quietly without publicity, but the presence of large crowds indicated continued popular support for the practice.

What is Moh-Juj?

• Moh means buffalo and Juj means fight in Assamese.
• The sport is organised in harvested paddy fields during Magh Bihu, when buffaloes grow strong by feeding on abundant post-harvest grass.
  It is a community-based traditional spectacle, deeply tied to agrarian life and festive joy rather than formal competition.

Moh-Juj reflects the collective emotions and cultural identity of rural Assam, adding excitement to the harvest celebrations.

Historical roots

• Buffalo fights have been associated with Magh Bihu since the Ahom period.
• Nearly 200 years ago, Rudra Singha, the 30th Ahom ruler, gave royal patronage to Bihu and related traditional games.
• Bihu was recognised as Assam’s state festival during his reign (1694–1714).
• Historical accounts suggest Moh-Juj was once organised at Ruphi Pathar, Rangpur, and viewed by Ahom kings from the Rang Ghar.
• The Ahatguri Moh-Juj in Morigaon has been a customary event since 1972.
  

Types of buffalo fights

Two broad categories of buffaloes take part:

1. Assamese buffalo
   • Broad forehead, large body, wide-mouthed horns.
   • Engage in short-duration fights, usually striking head-to-head.

2. Adrangi (mixed-origin) buffalo
   • Rounded horns and greater stamina.
   • Fights last longer; attacks often target the throat.
   • Known as “Caap-Juj” in Lower Assam.
   • Once defeated, a buffalo generally avoids fighting again within the herd.

Legal background

• In 2014, the Supreme Court of India, in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja case, banned all animal races and fights across the country.
• The judgment held that such practices violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which imposes a duty on citizens to show compassion to living creatures.
• In 2015, the Animal Welfare Board of India formally asked the Assam government to stop animal and bird fights associated with Bihu celebrations. 
• Since then, district administrations have generally enforced restrictions during festivals.

Why does the issue persist?

• For many rural communities, buffalo fights are seen as part of cultural heritage linked to agrarian life and Magh Bihu, a harvest festival celebrating abundance.
• The events highlight the tension between cultural practices and modern animal welfare norms.
• Lack of formal organisation does not eliminate ethical and legal responsibility, making enforcement challenging.

One-line wrap

The Magh Bihu buffalo fights underline the ongoing conflict between cultural traditions and animal welfare jurisprudence in India.

Exam Hook 

Q. With reference to animal welfare and festivals in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Supreme Court has banned all forms of animal races and fights that cause pain and suffering.
2. Animal fights during festivals are permitted if organised without official committees.
3. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution promotes compassion towards living creatures.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Correct answer: (a)

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