While it is important to protect the tradition and culture of the land, it is equally important to ensure that lives are not lost in the process. We are talking about jallikattu, the annual bull-taming events that are set to take place in the southern districts in view of Pongal festival. In a bid to ensure that men don’t get hurt and bulls are not harassed, the State government has set certain rules and regulations which the participants and authorities will have to abide by. And, it is the duty of everyone to follow them.
Even as preparations are under way for the sport, which will take place from tomorrow, bull-owners and tamers are gearing up for the prestigious jallikattu, a victory in which, according to them, shows their valour. In the past, jallikattu was marred by deaths and bull-harassment charges following which it was banned. Only after a prolonged legal battle and an unprecedented protest at Marina, the sport was restored. Hence, participants of jallikattu have a huge responsibility to ensure that such unwanted incidents do not happen again.
Officials, for their part, should take all steps to prevent mishaps. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court recently appointed an organising committee under the chairmanship of retired Principal District Judge C Raghavan to review the arrangements at Avaniapuram, one of the most popular jallikattu spots. This was done following writ petitions filed by different groups due to issues within the organising committee comprising local people that usually conducted the event. Another committee of officials has been formed to ensure smooth conduct of the event and its head, Melur Revenue Divisional Officer A Sivakami, has said all arrangements were going as per schedule. Not just in Avaniapuram, strong measures are needed in other places, too, including Alanganallur.