Demand for legalising ‘dhirio’ bull fighting in Goa

Demand to Legalise Bull Fighting in Goa

• What is it? Bull fighting in Goa is locally known as ‘dhirio’ or ‘dhiri’. It is described as an integral part of Goa’s cultural fabric, traditionally held in paddy fields and on football grounds. In the past, these events were often associated with local Church festivals.
• Cultural Significance: The book Goa, Cradle of My Dreams (1988) by Nora Secco de Souza described Goan bull fighting as a “less complicated” and “less colourful affair” than the Spanish version, noting the absence of matadors.
• Current Status: The sport has been banned since a 1996 incident where a person was killed by a bull. Following a petition by the NGO People for Animals, the High Court of Bombay at Goa ruled that bull fights are illegal and contravene the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The court ordered the state to take immediate steps to ban all such animal fights.
• Recent Developments: Despite the ban, legislators from various parties recently raised concerns in the state Assembly, demanding the legalisation of dhirio, citing its cultural importance.

Source: IE