What is Jallikattu in Tamilnadu?

Jallikattu is a bull taming event organized in Tamilnadu every year. This signifies the Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. Mattu Pongal day comes in the fourth day of Pongal festival.

This is an ancient old game which is practiced by tying coins to the bull’s horns. The bulls are made to run and the bull that wins is used to preserve the native breed of numerous cows.

The event has always remained in controversy due to the death and accidents that it causes.

Why the sudden outrage?

On the appeal made by few organizations like PETA, the Supreme Court had put a ban on the event owing to the death of the animals it causes and also the people.

In the petition, they mentioned that the bull’s tails were twisted and bitten and they were stabbed and physically tortured.

Many celebrities like Hema Malini and John Abraham also played an important role in standing for the ban against Jallikattu.

In the year 2016, Supreme Court banned the event, but last year the Environment Ministry declared the sport should be carried on as usual irrespective of the Supreme Court ban.

Why is PETA keen on banning Jallikattu?

In January 2016, the Central Government lifted the ban on request of Tamil Nadu Government. This notification was challenged by PETA and Other such welfare Organizations in the Supreme Court. PETA insists that ‘cruelty’ is not limited to slaughter but includes unnecessary suffering and torture induced on animals for the purpose of human entertainment.

Therefore, PETA advocates that it is the fundamental duty of citizens of India to have compassion for all living creatures and to protect wildlife.

Why so protest against the ban of Jallikattu?

On the appeal made by few organizations like PETA, the Supreme Court had put a ban on the event owing to the death of the animals it causes.

In the year 2016, Supreme Court banned the event, but last year the Environment Ministry declared the sport should be carried on as usual irrespective of the supreme court ban.