Jallikattu | 26 Dec 2024

Source: TH 

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for safe Jallikattu events in 2025, guided by the Animal Welfare Board of India. 

  • Events must adhere to Section 3(2) of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules, 2017, allowing Jallikattu only at notified locations with permissions, ensuring bull safety and cruelty prevention. 
  • Tracing back over 2,000 years, Jallikattu, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu was originally held to select a suitable bridegroom.  
    • The sport is linked to the Ayars, an ethnic group in India, and its name derives from "Jalli" (coins) and "Kattu" (tied). 
    • It is celebrated on Mattu Pongal Day (3rd day of Pongal), where a bull is released, and participants tame a bull to win coins tied to its horn.  
    • The sport uses the Pulikulam or Kangayam breed of bulls, which are highly valued for breeding and market sales. 
  • A seal representing Jallikattu was found at the Indus Valley site, preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi. A 1500-year-old cave painting near Madurai also depicts the sport. 
  • Different Jallikattu versions, like Vadi manjuviraṭṭu, Vēli viraṭṭu, and Vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu, have varying rules on the duration of holding the bull or the distance to cover. 

Jallikattu 

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