More than 2,000 pigeons of different species have been procured by Old Delhi’s pigeon-flyers (Kabutarbaz) from across the country in the run-up to a grand Kabutarbazi tournament to be held on the occasion of Republic Day and other events next year.
Kabutarbazi has been a traditional local sport since Mughal times in Delhi and is still popular in parts of the city, specially areas like Jama Masjid, Chandani Chowk, and Matia Mahal in the Old city.
The Kabutarbaz’s skill in controlling flocks of pigeons is tested, said sports expert Abid, adding that different games have different sets of rules to evaluate the winner.
‘A number of locally popular species of pigeons, such as ‘Sabjpari’ (red-colored) from Agra, Patiyala from Punjab, Hyderabadi from Hyderabad, were brought to Delhi by the Kabutarbaz months in advance to prepare for the tournament,’ he said.
Every year, on significant occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and festivals like Eid, tournaments are organized where passionate pigeon flyers showcase their skills and techniques to achieve higher ranks, said Danish Illahi.
Illahi was a khalifa (successor) until the start of this month, but on the evening of November 3, he was awarded the title of ‘Ustad’ (master)—the highest rank among the pigeon flyers—in the event of ‘Jashne Tajposhi.