Cockfighting, Bankura, West Bengal, India, 2011
A crowd gathers for an evening of cockfighting. Although an illegal activity, cockfighting is almost a daily occurrence in Bankura, West Bengal.
The cocks, referred to as gamecocks, are specially reared to maximise endurance and strength. Blades, that often reach two and a half inches, are attached to the cock's leg. Before the fight commences, the birds are paraded amongst the crowd while wagers are taken. After initial goading by their owners, the birds instinctively fight. A fatal blade wound ends the fight.