Assam's Traditional Buffalo Fight Likely to Return Next Year

Moh Juj Event Update

Guwahati, Jan 15: The traditional buffalo fight known as Moh Juj in Assam will not be officially held during this year's Magh Bihu festival. Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika announced on Thursday that there are plans to officially organize the event next year.

Hazarika informed the media that while the Assam Assembly has approved a Bill concerning Moh Juj, the necessary approval from President Droupadi Murmu is still pending, which complicates the government's ability to proceed with the event.

“Without the President’s approval, we find ourselves in a 50-50 situation. We cannot take any risks at this point, which is why there will be no official Moh Juj this year. Once we receive the assent, we can celebrate the event across the state next year,” he stated.

On November 27 of the previous year, the Assam Assembly unanimously passed an amendment Bill aimed at removing Moh Juj from the scope of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, similar to the provisions for Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu.

Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul emphasized that Moh Juj plays a crucial role in safeguarding Assam’s cultural heritage and supporting local buffalo breeds. The amendment permits buffalo fights to take place during Magh Bihu or on designated days without being classified as animal cruelty under current laws.

This legislative action followed a Gauhati High Court ruling in December 2024, which invalidated a government standard operating procedure that allowed buffalo and Bulbul bird fights, referencing a Supreme Court decision from 2014.