Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that is played in some parts of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival in January.
Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that is played in some parts of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival in January.
The term ‘Jallikattu’ is derived from two Tamil words—salli (coins) and kattu (a package)—which refer to the prize money that is tied to the bull’s horns.
The term ‘Jallikattu’ is derived from two Tamil words—salli (coins) and kattu (a package)—which refer to the prize money that is tied to the bull’s horns.
It involves multiple human participants trying to grab the hump of a bull and hold on to it while the bull tries to escape
It involves multiple human participants trying to grab the hump of a bull and hold on to it while the bull tries to escape
The history of Jallikattu can be traced back to over 2,500 years ago, dating back to the Tamil classical period.
Jallikattu is more than just a sport for many Tamils, it is a symbol of their pride and heritage
Jallikattu is more than just a sport for many Tamils, it is a symbol of their pride and heritage
The festival is mostly celebrated in three villages - Avaniyapuram, Palamedu, and Alanganallur
Jallikattu has also inspired similar events in other countries, such as Sri Lanka
However, it also involves risks and challenges, such as injuries, deaths, legal battles, and ethical issues
The Supreme Court of India banned Jallikattu in 2014
The Supreme Court of India banned Jallikattu in 2014
But the Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance in 2017 to allow the sport with some safety regulations
But the Tamil Nadu government passed an ordinance in 2017 to allow the sport with some safety regulations