Six people were killed during Jallikattu and other bull-related sports such as Eruthattam and Manjuvirattu in Tamil Nadu.
Jallikattu Festival
Brief: Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport held during the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal.
- It is most prominent in districts like Madurai, Pudukottai, Tiruchirapalli, and Thanjavur.
Name and Meaning: The term “Jallikattu” combines two Tamil words:
- Jalli: Refers to silver or gold coins.
- Kattu: Means tied.
- Coins are tied to the bull’s horn, and participants who tame the bull win the prize.
Historical Origins: The sport dates back nearly 2000 years, with evidence from 400-100 BCE.
- It was originally played by the Ayars, an ethnic group in South India.
Sport Details: Participants try to hold onto the bull’s hump or run alongside to stop it.
- Bulls used for Jallikattu include the Pulikulam or Kangayam breeds, which are also valued for breeding.
- Successful bulls are highly prized in the market.
Judiciary View: In 2023, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld Jallikattu as a part of the cultural heritage and tradition of Tamil Nadu, acknowledging its historical and cultural importance
