Tragedy Hits Popular 'Delhi's Fattest Dog' Contest as Beloved Finalists Die

The popular "Delhi's Fattest Dog" contest has reached its dramatic climax with a heartbreaking twist: two of its most beloved and prominent contestants, Gula and Tara, died just days apart right before the semi-finals.

The dogs were well-known fixtures in their neighborhoods and enjoyed massive online support. Following their passing, the competition organizers launched a fundraiser in their memory, with all proceeds directed to local animal welfare organizations, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

From Instagram Contest to Urban Phenomenon

Created by a journalism student from the University of Delhi and inspired by Alaska's "Fat Bear Week," the contest kicked off on September 24 with 64 stray and pet dogs chosen by city residents for their extra weight.

What began as a modest Instagram project quickly turned into a massive local phenomenon, with residents hanging posters and campaigning door-to-door.

Residents across Delhi hung posters, set up social media fan pages, and even went door-to-door to rally votes for their neighborhood dogs. The official competition page quickly amassed over 85,000 followers.

Health Concerns Behind the Humor

Despite the tragic loss of Gula and Tara, the final stages pushed forward. While the humor captured public attention, the animals' extreme weights also sparked serious health discussions.

• Gugo, weighing 46 kilograms, was recently transferred to a specialized treatment center for a tailored diet and physical therapy.

• Rambabu, affectionately known as "Chunky," became famous outside a local bank where passersby regularly feed him.

The grand finale highlights both the community's engagement and the pressing need for better stray animal care across the metropolis.