'Jallikattu festival', the famous centuries-old bull-taming tradition commenced on Tuesday (Jan 14) in Avaniyapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, marking the start of the south Indian state’s Pongal celebrations.

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The world-renowned event sees the participation of 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers in the contest where participants attempt to subdue bulls by grabbing their humps. 

This year, a tragic incident was witnessed where a young bull-tamer lost his life. Despite safety measures, the event has raised concerns about the welfare of both participants and the bulls.

What is “Jalikattu”? How is it celebrated? 

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Jallikattu originated in ancient times, and is an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage. Jallikattu is combination of Tamil words "jali" (coins) and "kattu" (tie), as the sport is about tying of coins to the bulls' horns.

This special event is celebrated on the third day of the Pongal festival, called "Mattu Pongal", celebrating collective journeys to witness the fury and the bravery of bulls and participants.

The sport is known for its festivitity as well as criticism.

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It is also highly controversial due to concerns over animal cruelty and participant safety.

A bull is let loose among the people, who try to hold on to the hump of the running animal. Qualifying bulls should be of breeds like 'Pulikulam' and 'Kangayam'.

Those bulls that do the most bullfighting are handed over to eager bull owners as part of the celebration. 

The best bull and bull tamer are awarded.

Tragic incident amidst celebrations

The event took a dreadful turn when a 22-year-old bull tamer, B Naveen Kumar, was fatally gored by a bull, an officer said on Tuesday.

At least 75 others were injured, out of which 30 sustained grievous injuries, reported ANI news agency. 

1,100 bulls and 800 bull tamers were registered in Avaniyapuram for the event. 

Visuals of Jallikattu competition being held in Suriyur, Trichy district, with 775 bulls participating
Visuals of the Jallikattu competition being held in Suriyur, Trichy district, with 775 bulls participating Photograph: (PTI)

 According to Madurai district collector MS Sangeetha, "The bull punctured his lungs, and he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.”

Madurai District Collector Sangeetha
Madurai District Collector Sangeetha Photograph: (ANI)

Following this, 75 people were injured during the event, although their conditions were reported as stable. The authorities assured that all necessary precautions were in place, including 2,000 police personnel, drones, and medical teams.

However, such incidents continue to fuel the debate over the sport’s safety.

Celebrated tradition or animal cruelty?

Jallikattu has a historical heritage of recognition mixed with the strength and bravery values among citizens of Tamil Nadu. But animal rights groups have taken a serious view of the festival. They argue that the sport subjects the bulls to unnecessary stress and harm.

In places like Chennai, people mistreat bulls by rubbing chillies into their eyes and hurting their noses so that they become enraged and people can enjoy watching them in fights.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had banned Jallikattu.

This happened in 2006 after a Jallikuttu spectator was killed and welfare associations raised lawsuits against Jallikuttu.

In 2014, the Supreme Court banned the tradition, and all over Tamil Nadu, protests broke out. The ban was lifted once the Tamil Nadu Regulation of the Jallikattu Act was sanctioned.

Also Read: Jallikattu 2023 Date: Check history, significance, important facts, bulls & their owners; all you need to know

Legal and political battle

The legal controversy surrounding Jallikattu intensified when the Supreme Court ruled against state-sponsored Jallikattu regulation in Tamil Nadu in 2014.

In January 2016, the ban was lifted through a notification from the Union Ministry of Environment, which was then opposed by animal protection groups such as AWBI and PETA.

No specific decision has been made, though the litigation is still on in courts while the state continues to defend Jallikattu as an important part of Tamil life, culture and identity.

(With inputs from agencies)