Goan social media was abuzz last week after a gruesome video went viral. It’s subjects – two bulls charging at each other, one unfortunately to it’s untimely death, as a ‘mob’ cheered on.
For the uninitiated, dhirio resembles the Spanish custom of bull fighting but it’s Goan counterpart replaces the matador with another bull, making it an orchestrated showdown between a pair of bulls. The muscular beasts are conditioned to battle each other, often grievously injuring themselves or worse, resulting in death.
Dhirio represents a vestigial remanant of medieval times and in my opinion, is the epitome of human cowardice, rationalised under the pretext of tradition. The ‘sport’ is usually conducted at a secretive location, typically a large piece of farm-land and draws large crowds. Patrons throng the makeshift arena to see their favourite contenders attack each other, moving with considerable momentum and laser sharp focus while displaying their well-sculpted torso and often brightly painted and chiseled horns.
The Supreme Court, in it’s wisdom, had ruled in favour of a petition filed before it by animal rights activists and declared a ban on dhirio citing animal cruelty and the illicit activities in association with it. The ground reality, however, especially in the coastal villages of South Goa, reflects otherwise. To believe that such tournaments are held without the knowledge of the local enforcement authority, would be feigning ignorance. Like various statutes originating from the Apex Court, the law remains, yet again, a paper tiger, with its implementation for all to judge.
Trying to decipher both points of view, one claims it’s a sport, a means of entertainment. The other bases it’s arguments on animal cruelty and exploitation, getting an adrenaline spike from pure animalistic savagery to satisfy ones inner id. I can speak for myself and say without hesitation that if this is Goan culture, I am ashamed of it.
With each upcoming electoral bout, politicians do what they do best, exploit public sentiment. Across the ideological spectrum, politicians have promised to bring necessary legislation to nullify the Supreme Court ban, with the southern voices more vociferous in their demand. Luckily, none of them have tasted blood, successfully.
One must also concede that there is arguably an inherent contradiction if we consider dhirio illegal and consumption of animal meat as morally adherent. There is a fine, blurry line of dichotomy between the two, the former being for entertainment and the latter, for survival. Animal activists on one side of the ring, flag bearers of ‘Goan tradition’ in the opposite corner, have yet again locked horns literally and metaphorically, after the bullfight video came to light.
All eyes on the law enforcement agencies now, the question that remains unaddressed is, who will take the bull by it’s horns and put an end to an illegal practice? The law needs to be executed in letter and spirit.
