'Jallikattu', an ancient bull-taming festival, divides India
The debate on whether India should maintain the ban on a bull-taming sporting event is far from reaching a conclusion.
Called Jallikattu, the bull-taming sport is played during the harvest festival of Pongal. The event, which has been practised for thousands of years, was outlawed by the country’s Supreme Court in 2014, a decision it maintained in 2016.
But many have expressed their disapproval of the decision. O Panneerselvam, the chief minister of the southern India state of Tamil Nadu where the sport is played, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider revoking the ban on Jallikattu.
"Considering the groundswell of sentiment and support for the conduct of Jallikattu all over Tamil Nadu, this is an issue on which the Government of India must act with maximum despatch," Panneerselvam wrote in the letter.
On Monday, veteran actor Kamal Haasan also said he is a "big fan" of Jallikattu, and believe the ban should be revoked. Addressing the opposing views from some that Jallikattu is an act of animal cruelty, Hasaan said those people should also consider banning biryani, a rice dish that is mixed with meat of chicken or sheep.
"I'm probably one of few actors who've played Jallikattu. Am a proud Tamilian, this is our culture," Haasan said. The 62-year-old, who has massive fan following, has been vocal about his support for Jallikattu. Earlier he has defended that unlike bullfighting events in Spain, bulls aren’t hurt in Jallikattu.
In an interview last year, several farmers said Jallikattu inspired people in Tamil Nadu to not abandon bulls. "Farmers provided extra care for the animal since the bull represents the pride of their family and community. If the ban continues there will be no incentive to hold on to the bulls," a farmer said.
Pongal will be celebrated on Jan. 14. The debate, meanwhile, has divided the country.
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