What is Jallikattu and why is it so controversial?

    India is a vast country with uniqueness in every region. It is an old saying that the culture and traditions in India change every 100 kilometres. Jallikattu is one such unique tradition which is part of the culture of the people from Tamil Nadu.

• Jallikattu:

    It is an ancient sport played in Tamil Nadu. Also known as ‘Eruthazhuvuthal’ or ‘Manju Virattu’, the sport involves taming the bull by hugging or embracing it. Jallikattu is organized on the temple grounds as part of Pongal celebrations that take place on the second day of the Tamil month of ‘Thai’, which falls in mid-January.

    Experts believe that ‘Jallikattu’ is derived from two words, ‘salli’ which means ‘coins’ (silver or gold) and ‘kattu’ which means ‘package’ tied to the bull’s horns as the reward.

    Apart from being a blood sport, Jallikattu is a process to filter the strongest bulls from the weaker ones. The bulls are bred especially for this purpose. During the event, these bulls from multiple villages take part in the event. After the event, the weakest of these bulls are then domesticated for agriculture.

• Controversy:

    Although Jallikattu has ancient roots and is part of a rich tradition, the sport is the cause of many fatalities and serious injuries. It has claimed over 200 lives since the last two decades.

    After receiving a number of petitions from animal rights groups, the Supreme Court observed that the sport harmed bulls and was in violation of the ‘Prevention Of Cruelty to the Animals Act’. The Environment Ministry, under the UPA government, included bulls to an already existing notification banning the training and exhibition of animals in 2011. The Supreme Court of India upheld the order after it was challenged by groups wanting to uphold the tradition. Recently under the NDA government, the ministry modified the notification and an exception was made for the sport, in spite of the existing ban. This modification has been challenged by a number of prominent animal welfare organizations.

    With the state of Tamil Nadu set to defy Supreme Court's order. what happens to the fate of Jallikattu remains to be seen in the next coming days.