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Jallikattu Protest Day 2024: Jallikattu is a traditional spectacle which is also referred to as the bull-taming event that is typically practiced in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal, the third day of the Pongal festival. The term ‘Jallikattu’ is derived from the Tamil words ‘Salli Kaasu’ and ‘Kattu.’ Salli Kaasu refers to gold or silver coins, while Kattu means ‘Tied.’ Jallikattu is also known as Eru Thazhuvuthal and Manju Virattu. Manju Virattu takes place mostly in the districts of Madurai, Theni, Pudukottai, Tanjore, and Salem.
Jallikattu is renowned as an ancient ‘sport’ that was practiced some 2500 years ago. It is controversial because it often results in major injuries and even deaths. The sport will be played with Bos indicus bulls like Pulikulam and Kangayam breeds which are released into a crowd of people, and several participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull’s back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. The Participant who holds the hump for as long as possible and attempts to bring the bull to a stop will receive the prize. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove the flag tied to the bull’s horn. During the event, prizes are announced to encourage the youth to participate.
After the event, controlled bulls are used for agriculture and domestic activities. The untameable Bos indicus bulls are used for breeding cows. This ensures that both the ecosystem and the ancient sport will work well together. These bulls also fetch higher prices in the markets.
History of Jallikattu
Jallikattu has been practiced for during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BC). Jallikattu, which is also referred to as Eru Thazhuvuthal and Manju Virattu, was common among the ancient people Aayars who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country. Later, it became a platform for the display of bravery, and prize money was introduced for participation encouragement.
In 1930, a well-preserved seal was found at Mohenjodaro, an Indus Valley Civilization available in the National Museum, New Delhi. A cave painting in white kaolin found near Madurai portrays a man trying to control a bull. It is estimated to be about 1,500 years old.
Several rock paintings, more than 3,500 years old, were found in the remote Karikkiyur village in Tamil Nadu.
Jallikattu Protest Day 2024
Jallikattu Protest Day is also known as the Pro-Jallikattu movement or Thai Puratchi. On 17 January 2017, a small group of 50 people blocked the Beach Road, the route used by the Tamil Nadu chief minister, other ministers, and high court judges to reach the secretariat at Fort St George. They wanted to meet the Chief Minister to present their demands. Soon in the evening, 5,000 people joined the protest to save the ancient sport in several locations across the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
On 27 November 2010, the Supreme Court permitted the Tamil Nadu Government to allow Jallikattu for five months a year. Also, the court instructed the District Collectors to make sure that the animals that participate in Jallikattu are registered with the Animal Welfare Board. Meanwhile, Jallikattu, the board members, would send its representative to monitor the event.
The Government of Tamil Nadu ordered that the organizers deposit ₹2 lakh in case of an accident or injury during the event. Also, the government enacted a rule to allow a team of veterinarians to be present at the venue to certify the bulls for participation in the event and to provide treatment for Bos indicus bulls that get injured.
The Main motivation for the protest was against the Supreme Court’s order to ban Jallikattu. The Supreme Court banned the ancient sport after the animals, based on a lawsuit filed the complaint that humans hurt the bulls by controlling them. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights activist group, has asserted the sport as a tradition violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA).
On 8 January 2017, the first large protest occurred with several groups. It was organized largely via social media, and a protest was conducted at Marina Beach in Chennai to revoke the ban on Jallikattu, which was imposed in 2014.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan lauded the Tamilians’ relentless mind and tireless manner during the protest on his Twitter account.
Jallikattu Protest in Alanganallur ‘Vaadi Vaasal’
On 16 January 2017, villagers of Alanganallur protested at Alanganallur ‘Vaadi Vaasal’ near Madurai. The place is known for the Jallikattu sport on that date. The sport was also practiced in defiance of the ban. The Jallikattu ceremony is conducted here during the Pongal festival to choose the best breed, which occurs annually on January 14. Many Indian people will visit Alanganallur during this festival to watch Jallikattu.
After a day-long protest, police arrested the 200 protesters in Madurai. The next day, students gathered in Marina Beach to support arrested protesters, and the crowds started swelling for the night. A few hundred spent their night on the beach and continued to gather strength throughout the next day.
The protests were spontaneous and had no specific organizers. The protest was initially formed by members of the Student community across the state, which was further strengthened by people from various sections, such as IT professionals and Cine actors who joined later. The lack of a leader was seen as a stumbling block for the state government because it could not call people for talks. The protest was largely peaceful, and at the same time, the Police had a few Baton charges.
Jallikattu Protest across Tamil Nadu
On 19 January 2017, many volunteer groups and individuals once again gathered at the Marina beach for overnight protests. The protests are not just confined to Chennai, but thousands gathered across the state in prominent places like Thamukam Grounds in Madurai, VOC Ground in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Erode, Court Road in Trichy, Vellore Fort in Vellore, Tirupur, Salem, Nagercoil, Thanjavur and also in Indian Union Territory of Puducherry.
Jallikattu Protest in Other Country
Tamil youths from other states express solidarity with Jallikattu protesters in Tamil Nadu. There were demonstrations in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi. Support for the protest also came from Tamil people around the world, such as in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, China, Russia, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, France, South Africa, and Finland.
These groups also demanded that PETA should be banned from India. The protests soon gained momentum and spread all over Tamil Nadu. Slogans were shouted against the animal rights organization PETA, alleging an international conspiracy favoring the extinction of Tamil Nadu’s rare cattle breed and replacing them with Jersey cows from Denmark and Switzerland.
Former deputy Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O.Paneerselvam met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pushed for an ordinance. With no sign of protests relenting, the center suggested an ordinance by the Tamil Nadu Government. On 20 January 2017, the draft ordinance was approved by the Home, Environmental, and Cultural Ministry.
After a huge protest, Jallikattu was finally legalized locally on 23 January 2017 when the Government of Tamil Nadu passed a bill to amend the PCA Act. As the legalization is not Indian federal law but rather state law, Indian legal experts said that there is a chance to ban the ancient sport Jallikattu once again by the Supreme Court.
Jallikattu Protest Video
Jallikattu Images
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