Year’s 1st Jallikattu was held on Saturday (6th January) at Thatchankurichi in Tamil Nadu, thousands of people participated in it and celebrated their culture. However, a total of 63 people including 31 spectators get injured in the event.

What is Jallikattu?

Jallikattu is a sport conducted as a part of Mattu Pongal. The Mattu Pongal is the 3rd day of the four-day-long festival Pongal. It is also known as Manju Virattu or Eru Thazhuvuthal. ‘Jallikattu’ evolved from the words ‘Calli’ (coins) and ‘Kattu’ (tie), which denotes a bundle of coins tied to the bull’s horns.

Jallikattu is a symbol of the cultural pride of Tamil Nadu state, it is not just a sport it’s like an emotion for the people. After the 2014 ban verdict, people were vigorously protesting against it.

The breeds of bulls used in the sport are but not restricted to native breeds like Kangayam and Bangur. These breeds are known to be the strongest breeds of the bull. With the help of Jallikattu, the breeds are reared more leading to an increase in their number otherwise they were declining.

Why Jallikattu is so controversial?

Jallikattu was banned by Supreme Court in 2014 calling it a cruelty against animals, but the Tamil Nadu and Central government worked together to reverse the ban in 2017. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka had in 2017 passed amendments to the central law against cruelty to animals to allow traditional sports such as the taming of bulls during Pongal.

Supporters of Jallikattu argue that is the pride of the state and it is part of their rich culture this also helps to tame the different breeds of bull; people argue that they have every right to preserve their culture. Various famous celebrities came in support of Jallikattu and calls it spirit of their culture.

The people who are against this practice claim that this is completely cruelty against animals. Animal welfare organizations such as the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) and PETA India have protested against this practice.

PETA and other animal rights activists have become targets for those who are protesting against the Jallikattu ban to preserve their culture.

 What are the concerns regarding Jallikattu?

protestors and supporters have their reason to support and protest against this practice, it has been a matter of debate for a long time, but the injury of a large number of people who are either participants or spectators raises a serious concern. 

People are very much sensitive about this practice and consider it as their cultural pride there is nothing wrong in protecting one’s culture but without harming others. People should adopt some safety measures so that no one gets injured and also think and consider the animals, about their safety and rights.