The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of state laws framed to allow bull taming sport Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, buffalo racing (Kambala) in Karnataka and bullock cart race in Maharashtra saying that there are sufficient provisions to prevent cruelty to animals in these ancient sports.
Incidentally in Goa ‘Dhirios’, which has two bulls pitted against one another, have been banned for the violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport from Tamil Nadu is celebrated to worship cattle stock and is observed during Pongal. It is learnt that just like human beings while exercising the body feel the endorphins flow through them, similarly the sport of Jallikattu increases the testosterone levels in the bulls so when the breeding season that follows after Pongal they are virile and that gives way for birth of strong offspring.
Kambala is an annual festival celebrated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The festival involves the traditional buffalo race, a popular and unique sport among the farming community of the state. The Apex Court verdict has also allowed bullock-cart races in Maharashtra. However, bull fight ‘Dhirio’, which is a very popular game in Goa is different. The bulls are bred and trained to fight and the game attracts huge crowds. Goan bull fighting involves huge betting.
