Every year during Sankranthi, cockfighting—popularly known as Kodi Pandalu—turns into one of the largest underground betting events in India. What started as a traditional rural sport has now evolved into a high-stakes cash-driven gambling ecosystem, with shocking money circulation happening within just 24 hours.
Despite being banned by law, Sankranthi cockfights continue to flourish openly across several regions, especially in Andhra Pradesh and border areas of Telangana.
💰 Crores of Turnover in a Single Day – How Big Is It?
On the peak Sankranthi day (Bhogi / Sankranthi / Kanuma), betting activity reaches its maximum. Based on ground-level reports, local sources, and media investigations, the approximate betting turnover in one day is estimated as follows:
West Godavari: ₹300–350 crores East Godavari: ₹250–300 crores Krishna District: ₹150–200 crores Guntur & Prakasam regions: ₹200–250 crores Telangana border villages: ₹100–150 crores
👉 Total estimated turnover in one single day:
₹1,000 to ₹1,250 CRORES
All this happens completely in cash, with no digital trail.
🐓 How Does Cockfight Betting Work?
Betting is placed on:
Winning rooster Fight duration Knockout rounds Side bets between spectators
In popular arenas, a single fight can attract bets ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore. High-profile bettors, businessmen, political backers, and organized betting groups dominate these events.
🧠 Why Is So Much Money Involved?
Champion roosters are worth ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore Breeders invest heavily in diet, training, and lineage Betting syndicates operate like financial markets Police enforcement is minimal during festival days Cultural sentiment protects the events from strict action
For many breeders and gamblers, Sankranthi season is equivalent to IPL season, but completely underground.
⚖️ Legal Status vs Reality
Cockfighting is illegal under Indian law, yet enforcement becomes weak during Sankranthi due to:
Political pressure Cultural sensitivity Massive public participation
In many villages, events continue openly with temporary arrangements and silent approvals.
🐔 Crore-Valued Roosters: A Hidden Industry
Top fighting roosters are:
Specially bred and cross-trained Maintained with professional handlers Privately insured Sold and traded for crores
This has created an entire parallel economy around cockfighting.
📈 Bigger Than You Think
While online betting platforms get attention, Sankranthi cockfighting quietly moves ₹1,000+ crores in just one day—without apps, ads, or digital systems. Pure cash, tradition, and risk.
📝 Final Words
Sankranthi cockfights remain one of India’s largest unreported cash economies. Whether viewed as tradition or crime, the scale of money involved is impossible to ignore. The debate continues—should it be banned strictly or regulated transparently?
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