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In a spirited start to the new year, the age-old tradition of Jallikattu unfolded in Thachankurichi village in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district, featuring an exhilarating display of 500 bulls amid heightened security. The Thachankurichi event marks the beginning of a series of Jallikattu competitions scheduled across the state this month, celebrating the sport as part of Pongal festivities.
Jallikattu, deeply ingrained in Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, involves the release of ferocious bulls into a crowd, with participants attempting to tame them by grasping their humps and horns. Despite facing controversy in recent years over animal welfare concerns, the sport has persisted as a symbol of valour and rural identity.
In a historic move, Sri Lanka hosted its first-ever Jallikattu event in Trincomalee’s Sampur area. More than 200 bulls and over 100 skilled bull tamers participated in the event, which commenced at 10 am. The Eastern Province Governor, Senthil Thonadaman, organized the landmark celebration, aiming to showcase the shared cultural heritage between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
“We will be conducting Jallikattu and Rekla races, silambam fights, boat races, beach kabadi. We are proud that the cultural events are restored with the Tamil community,” Governor Thonadaman stated, emphasizing the diverse range of festivities planned for the occasion.
Jallikattu has been a subject of contention, primarily regarding concerns for animal welfare. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India imposed a ban on Jallikattu, citing ethical issues related to the treatment of bulls. The decision sparked protests, and in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance to allow Jallikattu, asserting its cultural significance and introducing regulations to ensure safety.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Tamil Nadu government’s law permitting Jallikattu, affirming its place in the state’s cultural fabric while addressing concerns for the well-being of both participants and bulls.
