Breaking News
1. Netanyahu's First Remark After US Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites      2. Operation Sindhu: Nepal thanks India for Iran evacuation      3. Israel kills three Iranian military chiefs, hits nuclear sites in fresh air strikes.      4. US Bombers Flew 37 Hours Non-Stop, Refuelled Mid-Air To Hit Iran Nuclear Sites      5. Iranians killed, UN warns of refugee crisis; Tel Aviv strikes Isfahan nuclear plant for 2nd time      6. Provided food, shelter': 2 held for harbouring Pahalgam attack terrorists; disclose 3 were Pak LeT men      7. Iran, Israel Launch Fresh Attacks As Tehran Rules Out Nuclear Talks      8. Israel-Iran war: Donald Trump counters Tulsi Gabbard on Iran's nuclear programme; says 'my intelligence community was wrong'      9. Pak nominates Trump for Nobel Prize for 'pivotal leadership' in truce with India      10. Trump indicates he’s disinclined to restrain Israel ‘when it’s winning’ against Iran      11. PM Modi leads 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam      12. Missile strike on hospital to calls for Khamenei's elimination      13. ‘Saw missiles and drones’: Indian students evacuated from Iran arrive in Delhi, hail support from embassy      14. Air India warned for flying Airbus planes with unchecked escape slides      15. Donald Trump to decide on US role in Iran-Israel conflict within two weeks, says White House      16. 'Iran made a mistake': Donald Trump responds to Khamenei's refusal to surrender; says 'good luck'      17. India is a perpetrator of foreign interference, Canadian intelligence agency says      18. Hours after Modi denies US role in India-Pak ceasefire, Trump repeats claim: ‘I stopped the war’      19. Students Back From Iran Flag Poor Bus Condition, Omar Abdullah Responds      20. Leaders fail to reach ambitious joint agreements on key issues after Trump’s exit     

Jallikattu Festivities Kick Off in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Unleashing Bull Taming Spectacle

  • Posted on January 15, 2024
  • Lifestyle
  • By Arijit Dutta
  • 677 Views

The traditional bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, kicked off in Avaniyapuram village, Madurai, drawing massive participation with 2,400 bulls and 1,318 tamers. This three-day event is an integral part of the Pongal harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. Despite past legal controversies, the Supreme Court upheld its legality in 2023.

Jallikattu Festivities Kick Off in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Unleashing Bull Taming Spectacle Image Source -www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The annual Jallikattu festival commenced with fervor in Avaniyapuram village, Madurai, as participants and spectators alike celebrated the traditional bull-taming sport. The three-day event, integral to Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage, began amidst enthusiastic cheers, marking the Pongal harvest festival.

Madurai District Collectorate reported substantial participation, with 2,400 bulls and 1,318 tamers registered for Avaniyapuram Jallikattu. Palamedu and Alanganallur events are set to follow, showcasing 3,677 bulls and 1,412 tamers, and 6,099 bulls and 1,784 tamers, respectively.

Jallikattu, conducted during Mattu Pongal, involves temple bulls, considered village heads, competing in a common arena. Bulls are released one by one, and participants strive to embrace the bull's hump, attempting to bring the formidable animals to a halt. Taming successful bulls finds them serving domestic purposes, while untamed ones contribute to breeding programs.

Also Read: Congress Faces Consequences: MP CM Mohan Yadav Warns Of Price For Alleged Disrespect To Hindu Deities

The Supreme Court's involvement in Jallikattu dates back to 2014 when a ban was imposed, citing concerns for animal welfare. However, in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance, allowing the event with strict regulations ensuring the safety of participants and bulls. In May 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the legality of Jallikattu, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Adding to the fervor, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is set to inaugurate the new Madurai Jallikattu stadium on January 23. Costing Rs. 44 crores, the world-class stadium near Alanganallur is dedicated to the late DMK leader M Karunanidhi. It features a 5,000-seat capacity, VIP seating, a museum, a bull shed, a veterinary dispensary, and a health support center, enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.

The Jallikattu festival, a unique blend of tradition and sport, not only showcases the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu but also highlights the delicate balance between tradition and modern regulations in such events.

Author
No Image
Author
Arijit Dutta

You May Also Like