JALLIKATTU - ART & CULTURE
News: Year’s
first jallikattu in Tamil Nadu gets underway
What's in the news?
● The
year’s first Jallikattu in the Tamil Nadu began in Thatchankurichi village in
Pudukottai with great fervour on January 6, ahead of Pongal festivities.
Jallikattu:
●
Jallikattu is a sport conducted as a part of Mattu Pongal.
●
The Mattu Pongal is the 3rd day of the four-day-long
festival Pongal. It is also known as Manju
Virattu or Eru Thazhuvuthal.
Key takeaways:
●
‘Jallikattu’ evolved from the words ‘Calli’ (coins) and ‘Kattu’ (tie), which denote a bundle of coins tied
to the bull’s horns.
●
The most popular Jallikattu is the one celebrated at
Alanganallur near Madurai.
Jallikattu -
Origin:
● There
are references to people enjoying observing and partaking in Jalikattu in Silappatikaram the great epics of Tamil
classical period and two other ancient literary works like Malaipadukadaam and Kalithogai.
● Jallikattu
is an ancient sport. It is referred
to as belonging to the Tamil Classical Age (400-100 BC). Also, a cave painting
which is said to be 2500 years old depicts a man controlling a bull.
Other Names:
● Yeruthazhuvuthal
● Madu
Pidithal
● Pollerudhu
Pidithal
Legal Battle:
● Supreme Court of India
banned Jallikattu in 2014 following the petitions
of Animal Welfare Organizations including Federation of India Animal
Protection Agencies (FIAPO) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
(PETA).
● The Tamil Nadu government
has passed an amendment to the Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
which was approved by the President.
The amendment allowed Jallikattu as it is held as a cultural pride of the
state.