Chennai: The Tamilnadu government has granted permission to hold Jallikattu, the State’s most popular bull taming sport, with certain restrictions.
A government order said that the players have to produce Covid-19 negative certificate and the number of spectators cannot be more than 50 per cent of the gathering capacity.
The order also said that not more than 300 players can participate in an Jallikattu event.
“Not more than 150 tamers shall be allowed in Yeruthu Vidum event. All spectators should undergo thermal scanning. Bull owners and tamers should undergo Covid test. Face masks are compulsory for everyone,” the order said.
Jallikkattu, the traditional sport of valour, is conducted during the Pongal festival. However, the sport had faced a ban after protests by the Animal Welfare Board of India and animal rights organisation Peta. However, following widespread protests in the State in 2016, the Tamilnadu government passed an ordinance, which, with Centre’s approval, allowed it to resume since 2017.
It may be noted that the State government has banned New Year revelries on beaches, hotels, clubs and resorts on the night of 31 December, 2020 and 1 January, 2021 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus.