Jallikattu is a traditional sport in which a bull is released into a crowd of people. Multiple human participants will attempt to grab and tightly "hug" the large hump of the bull and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hug the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags affixed to the bull's horns.

Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period between 400-100 BC. A cave painting in white kaolin that is discovered near the Madurai depicts a lone man trying to control a bull is estimated to be about 2,500 years old.

Only Native cattle breeds are used for Jallikattu. Tamilnadu has 6 native cattle breeds, out of which Alambadi is already declared extinct. The remaining breeds are Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umbalachery, Barugur and Malai Maadu.

Jallikaatu can be referred to as bull taming event that is practiced in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, third day of the four-day Pongal festival.

A research conducted by PETA's investigators found that the bulls were being disoriented, deliberately. The bulls' tails were allegedly bitten and twisted; stabbed, punched and dragged on the ground. PETA insists that 'cruelty' is not just limited to slaughter but includes unnecessary suffering and torture induced on animals for the purpose of human entertainment.

The interesting point is PETA is silent on the slaughter of animals, but against every traditions of Hindus such as Jallikettu, elephants in temple festivals, Diwali celebrations, etc. In Kerala, plenty of people including toddlers were bitten by stray dog and even elderly people were killed. PETA is against any move to eliminate stray dogs and they are not ready to take care of them. The problem can be easily solved if the so called animal lovers can take care of these stray dogs.

Tamilian consider Jallikattu as Tamil pride as it is an ancient tradition that has been carried on for centuries. Jallikattu witnesses thousands of participants, attempting to tame the bulls by latching to their horns or humps. Its innumerable references could be found in Dravidian Literature. The Jallikattu protests are fuelled by the view that the ban impinges on the cultural identity of the populace.

The Tamil population, mostly young students and professionals, said that their fight is for their culture and Tamil pride and reject the allegation that Jallikattu is cruel to the bulls. They have demanded that animal rights organisation PETA, which has lobbied against Jallikatu, be banished from the state. The protesters said that the law on cruelty to animals must be amended to include Jallikattu bulls on a list of trained animals used in the military or for educational and scientific purposes.

Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has said that an ordinance will be promulgated in two days to enable the conduct jallikattu. "A draft ordinance is ready and has been forwarded to the Home ministry today morning. It has to get the nod of President with the recommendation of the Centre," Panneerselvam said.

Superstar Rajinikanth has already joined the protest and Kamal Haasan, Vijay and double Oscar-winning composer A.R Rahman’s is expected to join.

"Rules should be framed to avoid injuries. Instead of doing that, is it right to negate a culture?" Superstar Rajnikanth said. "Jallikattu should be held to uphold traditions of Tamil culture," the Bengaluru-born actor said.

If you want a ban on jallikattu, let's also ban biryani," Haasan told Managing Editor Rahul Kanwal at the India Today South Conclave in Chennai. "I'm a big fan of jallikattu," Superstar Kamal Haasan said. "I'm probably one of few actors who've played jallikattu. Am a proud Tamilian, this is our culture," he said.

Actor Dhanush is in favour of the protest against the ban on Jallikattu said, “Neither I nor anyone in my family are a member of PETA and I regret "best vegetarian award" given to me by PETA”.

Actor Jayam Ravi, tweeted: "I felt immense pride to be a part of a revolutionary movement last night at Marina. The atmosphere was electrifying and inspiring."

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu tweeted: "Jallikattu is the spirit of Tamil Nadu - bold and fearless. Proud to see such a statement of unity among Tamilians for something that they truly believe in."

"I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamilnadu!" Oscar award winner Music Director A R Rehman tweeted.

Jallikattu Unrest Continues, SC Agrees to Delay Verdict

By Premji