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Hundreds throng to see buffalo fight in Shimla
Shimla:
Hundreds of people thronged Mashobra village on the outskirts of Shimla
to see buffalo fight, which is a part of post-harvest festivities in Himachal
Pradesh. A pair of specially reared buffaloes was brought to the ring
amid the cheering of hundreds of spectators at the bi-annual spectacle.
Hoarse cries provoked the buffaloes for the duel. Despite opposition from
wildlife activists, such fights have been an integral part of the "Sayar"
festival. The ongoing week-long traditional fair, which began on Saturday,
is held in honour of Goddess Kali or 'Mahishasurvardhini' (killer of demon
Mahishasur), who the villagers believe has been bringing them prosperity
for over a thousand years. Legend has it that Goddess Mahakali, an incarnation
of Goddess Durga, killed a demonic buffalo, which had created havoc in
the region. "The fair has a buffalo fight. The goddess Mahishasurvardhini
had killed demon Mahishasur here, which is why this fair is celebrated.'
said Balak Ram Verma, president of the local body, Mashobra. In the months
preceding the festival, buffaloes are fed with long grass typical to the
state's vegetation. To pay respects to the Goddess, buffalo fights are
organised every six months in the region.
-Sept
17, 2006
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