Peeping into the Vanishing Sport of Kabootarbaazi in Delhi!

In the labyrinthine alleys of Old Delhi, the sky comes alive with a flurry of wings, a spectacle that has mesmerised onlookers for centuries. This is Kabootarbaazi, an ancient sport of pigeon flying that once flourished in the Mughal courts and continues to hold its ground in the historic city. While Hyderabad witnesses the annual competition during the winter months between December and February, towards the north, in Delhi, it remains a lowkey affair now.

More than just a pastime, Kabootarbaazi is a test of skill, loyalty, and honour. However, as modernisation sweeps across the city, the future of this unique tradition hangs by a thread, but there is a lot more to it. When Ustaad Aslam, a prominent figure in Delhi’s Kabootarbaazi circles, talks to Local Samosa, he calls the sport that "sets part of the soul free". “When we release the pigeons, it is like setting a part of our soul free. The real challenge is in the calling—if your voice falters or lacks authority, your pigeons may get distracted. It is a game of patience, control, and mutual trust," he, who has been part of the sport for long, says.

Folk tradition and thrills!

The rules of Kabootarbaazi remain largely unchanged from its golden days. Two competing teams release their pigeons, trained to recognise their master’s voice. The goal is not only to bring one’s flock home but to lure away rivals’ birds using strategic calls. At the end of the flight, umpires—called munsifs—stationed at various points determine the winner based on distance traveled, discipline, and the number of pigeons retained.”

With more than 2,000 disciples under his wing, Aslam has witnessed the highs and lows of Kabootarbaazi. “This sport is not just about winning. It is about upholding a tradition, respecting your rivals, and proving your worth,” he states.

A Sport of Kings and Commoners

Kabootarbaazi, literally meaning ‘pigeon competition', traces its origins to the Mughal era. The emperors and nawabs, captivated by the elegance of pigeons in flight, nurtured the sport as both entertainment and a symbol of status. The game’s essence lies in training pigeons to obey their master’s calls, responding to specific whistles and hand signals.

The sport gained prominence during the reign of Jahangir (1605-1627), who was particularly fond of pigeon flying and equated it to a form of love and devotion. It reached its zenith under Bahadur Shah Zafar (1837-1857), who had pigeons that would fly in formation above his royal entourage. After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Kabootarbaazi persisted among the common people, especially in the bylanes of Old Delhi and other northern Indian cities.

A Culture of Honour and Harmony

The sport extends beyond the flight itself. Victorious Kabootarbaaz must host a celebratory daawat (feast), where invitations are delivered in a unique manner—through cardamoms. Each invitee is handed a certain number of cardamoms, indicating how many guests they can bring. “Declining an invite or failing to bring the exact number of guests is seen as dishonourable,” Aslam explains. “These rituals reinforce the values of respect and commitment that define Kabootarbaazi.”

The community prides itself on being inclusive. “Religious and social barriers dissolve in our world,” Aslam adds. “Whether Hindu or Muslim, rich or poor, once you are a Kabootarbaaz, you are part of a family.”

Why did it decline?

Despite its cultural significance, Kabootarbaazi is facing an uncertain future. The rooftops that once echoed with calls to pigeons are now overshadowed by modern infrastructure. With increasing urbanisation, the traditional spaces required for pigeon flying are vanishing. Additionally, restrictions on pigeon feeding in public areas due to hygiene concerns have indirectly affected the sport, as feeding is essential to maintaining healthy and loyal pigeons.

Moreover, the younger generation, drawn to digital entertainment and modern sports, is showing waning interest in Kabootarbaazi. Economic factors also play a role—training and caring for pigeons is an expensive endeavour, and few are willing to invest the necessary time and money. Government regulations concerning bird welfare and conservation efforts have further added to the decline, as concerns over disease transmission have led to crackdowns on pigeon-keeping in some areas.

Historian and author Rana Safvi, who has extensively chronicled Delhi’s past, warns, “If we do not actively preserve such traditions, they will be lost to history. The lanes of Shahjahanabad will no longer resonate with the calls of Kabootarbaaz, and that would be a tragedy.” She further adds, “Pigeon-keeping has always been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city. Its decline represents a loss of not just a sport, but a way of life.”

The Uncertain Future of a Timeless Sport

While heritage initiatives such as 'Roobaro Walks', co-founded by Aanchal, aim to generate awareness by introducing visitors to the world of Kabootarbaazi, the reality remains grim. “When people see the pigeons take flight and hear the Kabootarbaaz call them back with such skill, they are left awestruck,” Aanchal says. “It is an art form that deserves to be preserved, but it needs active participation and recognition.”

She adds, “The younger generation doesn’t realise the depth of this tradition. We are trying to bridge that gap by making Kabootarbaazi accessible to a wider audience.”

For now, the skies of Old Delhi still witness the grand aerial dance of Kabootarbaazi, but for how long, no one knows. In an ever-changing world, the sight of pigeons soaring above Old Delhi remains a testament to a tradition that has defied time. Ustaad Aslam remains hopeful. “As long as there is passion, Kabootarbaazi will survive. It is not just a sport—it is a legacy passed from master to disciple, from father to son. And, some legacies never die.”