Rapid Fire
Dhirio Bull Fighting of Goa
- 14 Aug 2025
- 1 min read
There has been a demand in Goa to legalize Dhirio or Dhiri bull fighting for cultural and tourism reasons. Despite its ban the practice continues in some villages of Goa.
- Origins & Nature: It is a traditional Goan sport from the Portuguese era in which 2 specially bred and trained bulls engage in a contest of strength.
- It differs from Spanish bullfighting as it involves no matadors or ritual killing.
- Cultural Significance: Integral to church feasts and agrarian celebrations, it is a popular social event and drawing devoted local followings.
- Conduct of the Sport: Held in paddy fields or football grounds during village feasts or post-harvest celebrations.
- Legal Status: It was banned by Bombay High Court in 1997 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The HC decision was upheld by the Supreme Court (SC) in 1997.
- Jallikattu (bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu) was banned by SC in 2014 for animal cruelty, but later upheld by SC in 2023 as part of Tamil Nadu’s culture.
| Read More: Jallikattu |
