The sport of Jallikattu has been described as the cultural symbol of Tamil Nadu and Pongal festival which combines with its religious ceremonies is considered a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. As the assembly polls are to be held in Tamil Nadu in 2021, the Pongal festival and Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport, have caught the attention of the Political Parties in the country.
Jallikattu is an ancient Indian tradition that involves a trained bull being pushed around a circular arena by two or more men. It is a tradition over 2,000 years old competitive sport as well as an event to honour bull owners who rear them for mating.
It is a part of culture and heritage for these places, and thus this sport continues to get support from the locals.
Jallikattu is very unique festival of Tamilnadu. It is a part of rural culture and traditional games. It attracts people from all walks of life and ages especially the youth. Jallikattu is celebrated as part of Pongal festivities in rural areas.
Jallikattu is considered a traditional way for the peasant community to preserve their pure-breed native bulls. Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umbalachery, Bargur and Malai Maadu are among the popular native cattle breeds used for Jallikattu. The owners of these premium breeds command respect locally.
In 2011, the Centre added bulls to the list of animals whose training and exhibition is prohibited. In 2014, the Supreme Court banned the bull-taming sport, ruling on a petition that cited the 2011 notification.
The state government has legalised these events, which has been challenged in the court. In 2018, the Supreme Court referred the Jallikattu case to a Constitution Bench, where it is pending now.
Whether the Jallikattu tradition can be protected as a cultural right of the people of Tamil Nadu which is a fundamental right. Article 29 (1) against Rights of animals.
Article 29 (1) mandates that “any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same”.
