festival

buffalo fight

boli moishor larai

Buffalo Fights of Arakan

CLP0007

The buffalo fight is one of the most interesting of Rohingya festivals. Buffalo fights can be seen yearly in some regions. The buffalo fight starts when two owners challenge each other. They make a written agreement that, if any of the buffalo get injured or die during the fight, they cannot accuse each other. After the agreement, they set a date and announce the fight to all the neighboring villages. After the announcement, the buffalo owners begin taking the buffalo every day to the field where the fight will take place. The reason is to habituate them and break their fear. For the fight, a wide farm field is chosen. Many people from nearby villages come to see the buffalo fight. Some people bet on the fight as well. On the day of fight, the owners decorate their buffalo with colorful flowers. They also use oil as an ointment for the buffalo. The owners invite honorable guests from their villages. They also make a big stage for the guests. All the field is surrounded by people. A referee presides over the fight. The owners take the buffalo to the field, and all the people cheer them on. Some people open temporary shops where they sell peanuts, betel, cigarettes, etc. Most buffalo fights go on until the last breath. It is an unforgettable experience which the Rohingya people used to enjoy very much in Arakan.