A light-hearted online competition celebrating Delhi’s much-loved community dogs has ended on an emotional note. Gola, also known as Kebab and Rajpal Singh, has been declared the winner of the viral “Fat Dogs of Delhi” contest, even though the popular canine passed away while the competition was underway.
Gola, who was commonly seen around the SDA Market area in Hauz Khas, defeated Googoo from Saket in the final round. The contest attracted widespread attention, with thousands of people voting for their favourite neighbourhood dogs through online polls and physical voting booths.
According to reports, Gola secured 66,952 votes out of approximately 94,000 votes cast in the final, winning by a margin of 39,904 votes. His victory has been viewed by supporters as a tribute to a dog who had become a familiar and loved presence in his neighbourhood. <Cite refs={["turn923418search1","turn923418search2"]}/>
From a Small Online Idea to a Citywide Contest
The competition began with an Instagram page sharing pictures of overweight community dogs spotted across Delhi. What started as a casual social media initiative soon developed into a knockout-style contest featuring 64 dogs from different parts of the city.
As the rounds progressed, supporters began campaigning for their favourites. Social media posts, posters, memes and local appeals helped turn the contest into a widely discussed event.
The final stage also moved beyond digital platforms. Organisers arranged physical voting booths at selected locations, allowing people to cast their votes in person. The unusual format brought together residents of different age groups, many of whom participated simply to support the dogs they recognised from their neighbourhoods. <Cite refs={["turn923418search2","turn923418search5"]}/>
Gola’s Death Made the Victory More Emotional
Gola’s death during the competition added a deeply emotional dimension to the event. The dog had already built a strong following among local residents and online supporters. His continued presence in the contest became a way for people to remember him and celebrate the affection he had received.
Another contestant, Tara from Khan Market, also passed away before the competition concluded. Their deaths prompted tributes from followers and renewed discussion about the health and care of community animals. <Cite refs={["turn923418search6","turn923418search4"]}/>
A Viral Contest Also Raises Questions About Animal Welfare
While many people welcomed the contest as a fun way to celebrate community dogs, it also sparked debate about whether presenting extreme weight as entertainment could unintentionally normalise an unhealthy condition.
Animal welfare advocates have stressed that affection for street dogs should go beyond feeding them or sharing their pictures online. Responsible care includes appropriate food, veterinary attention and support for their overall well-being.
The organisers have also indicated that the attention generated by the contest could help support animal welfare initiatives, including assistance for shelters and community dogs. <Cite refs={["turn923418search2","turn923418search4"]}/>
More Than Just a Competition
Gola’s win has brought the unusual contest to a close, but its impact extends beyond the final result. It gave neighbourhood dogs recognition, encouraged people to connect with one another and brought community animal welfare into public conversation.
For Gola’s supporters, the title is not simply a competition victory. It is a reminder of a familiar neighbourhood companion whose presence touched many lives. His story has made this viral contest both a celebration and a moment of reflection on how cities care for the animals living among them.
