Jallikattu is not a form of paid entertainment like horse racing or circus. But bulls are exposed to terrifying situation as they are forced to run away from the ‘predators.’
Supreme Court has banned Jallikattu, the popular bull-taming sport which is played as a part of Pongal in Tamil Nadu. This decision has brought smiles on the faces of animal activists, PETA and several others who have always spoken against animal cruelty.
But the same decision has hurt the sentiments of thousands of Tamilians who probably have participated in this sport since the beginning of time.
Now the question that has popped up whether Jallikattu is a form of paid entertainment. As a matter of fact, this traditional sport is not a form of paid entertainment. However, money is definitely involved with this sport and that too hefty amount.
In order to understand that, one needs to understand the meaning of the term Jallikattu. This term has originated from the word calli kacu which means coins and kattu which indicates a package. Believe it or not, a seal from the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation which has the sport depicted on it is preserved in the National Museum as well.
So the bull-tamers used to walk away with gold and silver coins inside the package tied to the bull’s horns. That is exactly where the money is involved but one need not pay for it.
However, in recent times, the rules of the sport have been changed. Once the bull is left free from an enclosure one has to hold on to the hump and reach the finish line. Whoever is successful wins a prize.
So technically, Jallikattu is not a form of paid entertainment like horse racing or circus. But bulls are exposed to terrifying situation as they are forced to run away from the ‘predators’ in this sport.
