Sallikattu (Tamil: சல்லிகட்டு) or Eruthazhuvuthal (Tamil: ஏருதழுவுதல்) is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebration. This is one of the oldest living ancient sports seen in the modern era. Although it sounds similar to the Spanish running of the bulls, it is quite different. In Jallikattu, the bull is not killed and the 'matadors' are not supposed to use any weapon. It is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu as a part of the village festival. The festivals are held from January to July, every year. The one held in Alanganallur, near Madurai, is one of the more popular events. This sport is also known as Manju Virattu, meaning "chasing the bull". More...
Don't miss:
This is played in our country for thousands of years - why suddenly we make issue out of it.
ReplyDeleteThe aim of the game is just to tame the bull, they are not killing the bull like the one in Spain, the government have made many restriction now to protect the bulls from abuse, such as only healthy bull can take part in the game checked by a vet, also one to one taming of the bull - not hundred men jumping on one bull, bull's tail can't be pulled or touched while taming and the person who does that act taken out of the ring same moment, also no one is allowed to take part in the game with alcohol influence...come on guys if you feel the animal is ill-treated by participation in this game where it is not harmed in any way like the one in Spain, if we still feel the bulls are harmed then we can't use the Bulls for farming or any other work where they have to work even harder...By the way this villagers don't have any other form of entertainment or any games to participate, they raise this bulls like their children and it's kept in that manner till their death, at-least the youths don't go in to any unlawful acts when they are kept active by such sports...