Dhirio Bull Fighting of Goa

Dhirio (also known as dhiri) is a traditional form of bullfighting native to Goa, where two trained bulls face off in a non-lethal contest of strength. Despite its cultural origins, this sport was officially banned in 1997 under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Nonetheless, the practice continues to survive in clandestine forms, prompting renewed debates over its legality, cultural significance, and ethical implications.

In the UPSC syllabus, Dhirio (Goa’s traditional bull-fighting) is relevant to General Studies Paper I under Culture (rural traditions, regional heritage) and General Studies Paper II under Polity & Governance (animal welfare laws, court rulings, and legislative debates).

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Historical and Cultural Context

Dhirios have been an integral part of Goan village society for ages, especially in the post-harvest period and on Church feast days. The village shepherds used to take specifically chosen bulls to engage in fierce but ceremonial head-on confrontations in paddy fields or football fields. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, there are no human combatants, and the match ends when one bull retreats or is pushed out of the arena. Described vividly in Goa, Cradle of My Dreams (1988) as two magnificent beasts colliding “like the falling of a gigantic tree struck by lightning,” these events were central to community bonding and entertainment.

Legal Prohibition and Enforcement

After a deadly accident in 1996 between a bull and a spectator, the Bombay High Court at Goa declared Dhirio unlawful, alleging breach of the PCA Act. The Supreme Court later upheld the ban effectively proscribing all types of animal fights, including Dhirios.

Enforcement, however, is still difficult. Dhiro match venues tend to be communicated secretly on a day of the event hours in advance through social networking groups, allowing crowds to assemble discreetly. Illicit betting is said to have been normalized, with payment and gambling being primary motivators.

Persistence and Recent Incidents

In spite of the prohibition, dhirios continue in both South and North Goa. Incidents of injury and bull death keep happening, emphasizing the game's risky character. In April 2025, for example, a bull was killed at a Dhirio in Betalbatim, and in 2021, there was another death reported in Mandrem.

Public safety issues have mounted. In June 2025, the South Goa Collector set up a task force of police, veterinary officials, and welfare officials to eradicate illegal dhirios. In addition, officials have initiated a general crackdown on the practice because of heightened activism—a move that was greeted enthusiastically by animal welfare groups. Recent reports confirm that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate dhirios remain absent, yet the events continue unabated in Salcete.

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Renewed Push for Legalisation

In a dramatic turn, Goa lawmakers of all parties have called for legalization, invoking Dhiro's strong cultural heritage and possible tourism value. Supporters say regulation—instead of prohibition—could ensure animal welfare while respecting tradition.

The Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, has taken a cautious stance—highlighting the legal differences between dhiro and Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu. He stated that while the government respects cultural sentiment, any legalisation would require thorough vetting by the law department, since Dhirio remains banned by the High Court’s order.

Ethical and Policy Debate: Culture vs Welfare

The debate over Dhirio raises pressing questions about cultural conservation and animal ethics:

• Supporters characterize it as a living tradition that fosters communal identity, economic vibrancy, and common heritage. Formalizing the activity with specific venues and guidelines is what some lawmakers propose.
• Critics, such as animal rights groups, contend the activity is cruel by nature, leads to illegal wagering, and results in human safety concerns—rendering regulation a moral dilemma. They refer to there being no tested tourism or job gains from Dhirio.

Comparative Perspective: Jallikattu vs Dhirio

While dhirio has parallels in Jallikattu, the differences are notable:

• Jallikattu involves humans attempting to embrace or tamely manage bulls, while Dhirio is a bull-versus-bull contest.
• Jallikattu was initially banned but later reinstated by the Supreme Court as a cultural exception—as long as safety safeguards are in place.
• These distinctions underpin the legal and legislative caution shown by Goan policymakers regarding Dhirio.

Path Forward: Policy Recommendations

If Goa considers regulated legalisation, several safeguards are imperative:

1. Choose locations that are designated and safe places to be away from crowds.
2. Require vet certification, humane training, and care of animals after fighting.
3. Restrict gambling and public broadcasts of events to seem more transparent.
4. Encourage public and stakeholder conversations in a way to blend tradition with ethical responsibility.
5. Establish stronger enforcement through inter-departmental task forces and public awareness.

It's vital that the policy balance respects heritage without compromising animal welfare or law. A structured, regulated model might offer a middle ground—preserving culture through humane, controlled means.

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Conclusion

Dhirio bullfighting—firmly embedded in Goan agrarian and religious customs—seizes the sustained tension between heritage and modern ethics. Despite a protracted history of restriction, the sport continues to have resurgence with strong community support. We must carefully balance policymaking to not only re-legalize Dhirio but do so in a way that maintains cultural legitimacy, yet protects the welfare of the animals and the safety of surrounding community members and participants. In the Indian context, where tradition and legality often clash, the future of Dhirio will be shaped by how effectively Goa can adapt cultural expression within ethical constraints.

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