Jallikattu: Tradition, Law, and Controversy in Tamil Nadu's Bull-Taming Sport
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News18•16-01-2026, 19:12
Jallikattu: Tradition, Law, and Controversy in Tamil Nadu's Bull-Taming Sport
- •Jallikattu, an ancient bull-taming sport, is celebrated in Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival, particularly on Mattu Pongal.
- •The sport involves participants attempting to control a bull or retrieve coins tied to its horns, with winners receiving prizes.
- •With a history spanning 2500 years, Jallikattu is deeply intertwined with Tamil culture, harvest celebrations, and indigenous bull breed conservation.
- •Despite animal cruelty concerns raised by organizations like PETA, the Supreme Court in 2023 upheld the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 2017, legalizing the sport.
- •Recent events saw Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurate a competition, while 32 people were injured in Avaniapuram, Madurai, highlighting ongoing safety debates.
Why It Matters: Jallikattu is a deeply rooted Tamil tradition, legally upheld despite safety and animal cruelty concerns.
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