Ancient Mughal Pigeon Training: A Rare Art Survives in Delhi

In the heart of Old Delhi, a small group of devotees is preserving the ancient Mughal tradition of kabootarbaazi, training pigeons to navigate vast distances and fly in precise formations.

Near the Jama Masjid, 30-year-old Azhar Udeen gathers with his brother and friends on his terrace daily to release more than 120 pigeons of various breeds. These birds are trained to fly in specific formations and sometimes participate in races.

Udeen, who learned the craft from his grandfather and a teacher (ustad), continues a practice that flourished under the patronage of the Mughal rulers of India. Historically, these flocks were used as messengers and trained in complex formation flying.

The Training of Kabootarbaazi

Developing the birds’ ability to fly directly against the wind and return from long distances requires nearly four months of dedicated work. Trainers use whips to strike hard surfaces, creating loud noises that frighten the birds into flying further away.

For the practitioners, these rooftop gatherings serve as a sanctuary of peace and fellowship amidst the chaos of the Indian capital.

Khalifa Mohsin, a dedicated pigeon keeper, noted that the practice allows participants to leave behind the tensions of work and home, describing the intention behind the hobby as a means of finding mental relief.