Mughal-era pigeon training survives in heart of India’s capital
Summary
In Old Delhi, India, a small group of people continue the ancient tradition of training pigeons, called kabootarbaazi, which dates back to the Mughal era. They raise and train pigeons to fly long distances and perform in formations, keeping the old practice alive amid the busy city.Key Facts
- Kabootarbaazi means pigeon keeping and training in Hindi/Urdu.
- This tradition started during the Mughal rulers in India, who used pigeons as messengers.
- Pigeon trainers in Old Delhi release over 120 birds daily from their terraces.
- Training pigeons takes about four months and includes making loud noises to encourage them to fly far.
- The practice involves teaching birds to fly in precise formations and against the wind.
- Many participants see kabootarbaazi as a peaceful and calming activity.
- The rooftop meetings where they gather are as important as the training itself for social and emotional support.
- The skill and knowledge are passed down from older generations and teachers called ustads.
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