Jallikattu facts for kids
Jallikattu is a very old and exciting event from Tamil Nadu, a state in India. It is a traditional sport where people try to hold onto a bull's hump for a short time as the bull tries to shake them off. This event shows how brave and strong a person is. Long ago, winners of Jallikattu would receive money or other prizes.
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History of Jallikattu
Jallikattu has been a part of Tamil culture for a very long time. Its history goes back about 2,500 years! People have found ancient cave paintings that show similar bull-taming scenes. This event is usually held once a year during the Pongal festival. This festival celebrates the harvest and is a time for giving thanks. Jallikattu takes place on the third day of Pongal, which is also known as Maatu Pongal. This day is special because it honors cattle, like bulls and cows, for their help in farming.
The Event and Its Rules
During Jallikattu, a bull is released from a gate, and participants try to grab its hump. The goal is to hold on for a certain distance or for a set amount of time. It's a challenging and quick event that requires skill and courage. The bulls are not harmed during the event. Before the event, the bulls are well-fed and cared for. People believe that participating in Jallikattu brings honor to their families and villages.
Why Jallikattu Was Banned and Then Allowed Again
For some time, Jallikattu faced a ban because of worries about animal welfare. Some people felt that the event might not be fair to the bulls. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ordered that Jallikattu should not happen.
However, many young people in Tamil Nadu felt that Jallikattu was an important part of their culture and traditions. They organized large, peaceful protests, especially at Marina Beach. Millions of people joined these protests to ask the government to allow Jallikattu again. Because of these strong feelings and protests, the government of India made a special rule. This rule allowed Jallikattu to continue, lifting the ban. Since then, Jallikattu has been held again, continuing a very old tradition.
Images for kids
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An inscription on eru thazhuvuthal at government museum in Tamil Nadu.
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Bull being prepared for jallikattu
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Anti-ban protesters at Marina beach, January 2017.
See also
In Spanish: Jallikattu para niños
