The fat dogs of Delhi are gearing up for election season, and it's fierce

Delhi has entered one of its most consequential election seasons: THE BEST FAT DOG. Inspired by Alaska’s annual Fat Bear Week, the capital now has its own competition for the city’s fattest dogs.

The buzzy competition is hosted by an Instagram page, Fat Dogs of Delhi, featuring canines from across Delhi. The competition was announced online earlier this week and got entries from some 64 dogs. One will be crowned the ‘Fattest Dog of Delhi’ via an Instagram poll. There are a total of six rounds running from September 24 to 29. 

Before you pass it off as a joke, let us tell you... this is barely one. Campaigns are going rogue and all out for the final trophy. Some have posters stuck on walls and tree trunks, while others are using Instagram influencers to spread the word. Fat Dogs of Delhi, if you insist enough, can place your promotional poster on their page. In all, it’s as serious as a mayor’s election.

There are currently no prizes, although the page says it’s pretty much open to sponsors for that. Some very well-earned dog treats, maybe. The competition is... ruff.

How can your dog (or you) join?

This competition is open to dogs across Delhi. The dog guardian (or guardians, if it’s a street pup) can enter the competition by sending a snapshot of the dog, along with its name and area, to the Fat Dogs of Delhi Instagram page. From your friendly home Labrador to the bulkier pug to the neighbourhood-popular indie, everyone can join.

Those who don’t have a dog still have a stake in the competition: voting. The first round began on September 24, followed by the round of 32 on September 25, today. Tomorrow, September 26, is the round of 16, then the quarter-finals on September 27, semi-finals on September 28 and the grand finale on September 29. Polls open via Instagram stories between 2 pm and 3 pm and stay up for 24 hours.

Two contenders are placed against each other in every story, and Instagram users then decide which of them is hopping on to the next round. Go vote!

When: September 24 - 29, 2026

Where:  Fat Dogs of Delhi instagram page

Tickets: free