It’s getting a bit testy out there. Will any decision to allow Jallikattu to continue impact those who are fighting to revive dhirios in Goa?
Photo Credits: PG1. LEAD_2
In Tamil Nadu, people have come out on to the streets and on Marina Beach in Chennai, to urge the Supreme Court to rethink their decision to ban Jallikattu. The sport, which millions in India’s southern state are calling cultural, does certainly have its roots firmly in the ground in the region’s history. Now, rumours are rife about the fact that there might be exceptions made to the law, and that Jallikattu will be allowed to continue. If that happens, what does this mean for those who are calling for a reversal on the dhirio ban in Goa? The bull fighting, which still continues behind closed doors, so as to speak, has been banned here but people are incensed about it. If there are changes made that allow the people of Tamil Nadu to enjoy Jallikattu, will we see a revival of the fight to revive dhirios? Perhaps we’ll have to wait for the courts to reveal what lies ahead.
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From what I understand, besides the whole Dravidian cultural aspect that's being highlighted by the media, Jallikatu provides employment, sustains Village economy, and helps local ecology (without Jallikatu, there's no other need for local bulls, which in turn promotes the use of foreign breeds which use more natural resources). On the flip side, it promotes animal cruelty. I know there is a lot of money involved in dhirios and there are breeders who make their living off this sport, but I am not sure of the ecological implications of the ban in Goa
Nathaniel D’Costa, digital strategist
If dhirios promote cruelty towards animals, Jallikattu is the same where bulls are harmed and terrorised. They are also prayed to. People should stop being hypocrites. Seriously!
Willie Severes, IT engineer
The issue of bullfights in Goa is very emotive especially in Salcette. While the bullfights take center stage, no one talks about the heavy betting that takes place Behind the scene. There is nothing traditional, or honorable about betting huge amounts of money. When thugs look at bullfights from this context than bullfighting in Goa has a whole new narrative
Hansel Vaz, entrepreneur
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What is Jallikattu?
• The term 'Jallikattu', originated from the Tamil words Salli and Kattu, referring to silver or gold coins tied to the bulls’ horns.
• Jallikattu is believed to have been practice at least 2,500 years ago, after an ancient cave painting was discovered near Madurai, which depicted a lone man trying to control a bull.
• The main objective of Jallikattu is taming the bull. There are 3 variants namely, vati virattu, where the bull after getting released from an enclosure needs to be held on to for a predetermined distance or time to win the prize, veli virattu, participants attempt to subdue the beast in an open ground and vatam manjuvirattu, in which the animal is tied to a 50-foot-long rope with players attempting to overpower it within a specific time limit.
• Certain calves are specially reared to grow into strong bulls for Jallikattu, and these animals are trained to not allow strangers to approach them.
• Temple bulls are prepared specially for Jallikattu, since they are considered the head of all cattle in a village; special rituals will be performed for them during important days.
• After the event, tamed weak bulls are used for domestic activities and agriculture, meanwhile the untamable strong bulls are used for breeding.
• Animal welfare organisations like PETA India have protested against Jallikattu since 2004, with the Supreme Court banning it in May 2014. This ban was reversed after the Government of India passed an order exempting it from all performances where bulls can not be used. But, the SC upheld the ban on 14 January, leading to protests all over Tamil Nadu.
