Fortune favored the brave in Andhra Pradesh this Sankranti as a determined farmer’s rooster clinched a record-breaking ₹1.53 crore in a thrilling cockfight showdown. The victory has captivated the state, blending age-old customs with modern-day riches.
Amid the joyous Sankranti festivities—complete with sesame sweets, rangoli, and ganga snans—cockfighting arenas light up rural landscapes. This particular event boasted over 200 entries, with birds paraded like gladiators before fierce clashes.
The winning owner, a seasoned breeder, credited his success to genetics and relentless preparation. His rooster, undefeated in preliminaries, faced top contenders in the finals, using agility to evade attacks and land decisive spurs. The crowd’s frenzy peaked as the prize was announced, dwarfing previous records.
Economically, these events generate lakhs through betting pools, vendors, and tourism. Yet, they operate in a legal gray zone, with sporadic police raids. This windfall spotlights the stakes: glory, debt relief, or ruin for participants.
Looking ahead, the winner eyes expanding his poultry farm, potentially shifting from fights to farming. The story inspires dreamers while prompting policymakers to address animal welfare and gambling concerns head-on.