Know about Jallikattu or Bull-Taming Sport

Jallikaatu could be referred to as bull taming event typically practiced in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, third day of the four-day Pongal festival. The term jallikattu is derived from the tamil words jalli and kattu. 

Jalli refers to gold or silver coins. Kattu means tied. Therefore, combined together it refers to coins being tied to the bulls� horns, which is considered the prize for whoever tames the bull. The bull that wins is used to service numerous cows preserving the native breed. It is renowned as an ancient sport, believed to have been practised some 2500 years ago. It is controversial because the sport often results in major injuries and even deaths.

Jallikattu also known as Eru thazhuvuthal and Manju virattu, is a traditional sport in which a Bos indicus bull, commonly of the Kangayam breed, is released into a crowd of people. Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump of the bull with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.

Jallikattu is typically practiced in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day.

Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BC).It was common among the ancient people Aayars who lived in the �Mullai� geographical division of the ancient Tamil country. Later, it became a platform for display of bravery and prize money was introduced for participation encouragement. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the practice is preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi. A cave painting in white kaolin discovered near Madurai depicting a lone man trying to control a bull is estimated to be about 2,500 years old.

The SC ban

The Supreme Court banned the sport in 2014, upholding concerns raised by activists who said the Jallikattu amounted to cruelty to animal besides posing a threat to humans. Between 2010 and 2014, an estimated 17 people were killed and 1000-odd were injured during Jallikatu events. The Supreme Court said, �use of bulls in such events severely harmed the animals and constituted an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.�

Why is PETA keen on banning Jallikattu?

In January 2016, the Central Government lifted the ban on request of Tamil Nadu Government. This notification was challenged by PETA and Other such welfare Organizations in the Supreme Court. PETA insists that 'cruelty' is not limited to slaughter but includes unnecessary suffering and torture induced on animals for the purpose of human entertainment.

Therefore, PETA advocates that it is the fundamental duty of citizens of India to have compassion for all living creatures and to protect wildlife.

Why are Tamilians protesting the ban on Jallikattu?

They consider it symbolic of Tamilian pride as it is an ancient tradition that has been carried on for years. Jallikattu witnesses thousands of participants, attempting to tame the bulls by latching to their horns or humps. Its innumerable references could be found in Dravidian Literature and the indigenous population of Tamilnadu has held this event for years. The Jallikattu protests are fuelled by the view that the ban impinges on the cultural identity of the populace.

Film fraternity members are scheduled to fast in support of jallikattu while the the Trade association says markets shall remain closed tomorrow