Animal rights activists were outraged when jallikattu, a bloody bull-fighting sport, was displayed at the Republic Day pageant in Madras. Tamil Nadu Governor M Channa Reddy reviewed a series of cultural floats on the Marina seafront, one of which depicted jallikattu as a folk sport. In the sport, prize bulls with horns sharpened for the kill are goaded to fury and let loose on a crowd of bull-fighters. Though banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, jallikattu is traditionally held on Pongal, the Tamil new year, and draws huge crowds. State politicians are also present at the contests.
However, the sport often turns violent because the bulls, confused by pain and fury, charge into the onlookers. On Pongal this year, for instance, more than 150 people were injured in the jallikattu held at Alanganallur village near Madurai when a bull went berserk. Clashes between competing groups of bull-fighters also cause casualties. In Thanjavur district this year, one boy was killed in such a feud.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.