The final ruling of the Supreme Court on the issue is still awaited.
A Supreme Court of India order banning Jallikattu – a festival where men fight with bulls – has caused widespread outcry in Tamil Nadu with celebrities and politicians joining thousands gathered at the Marina Beach in Chennai, calling for the retraction of the controversial order.
In the past two days, thousands of people have been pouring into Marina, where there is a high deployment of police. The protesters comprise people from all walks of life, including actors, artists, and professionals.
Adding fuel to the already hurt sentiments of the people, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday denied the plea of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Pannerselvam, who asked the center to introduce an ordinance to void the Supreme Court order.
Modi reminded Pannerselvam that the case is under the consideration of the Supreme court and passing such an ordinance to overturn the three-year-old ban on Jallikettu could set a bad predicate.
The people protesting in Marina beach are of the opinion that the critics who say Jallikettu is a cruelty against animals, don’t have the basic understanding of the illustrious cultural history of Tamil Nadu.
Adding to the fleet of celebrities who joined the protest in Marina beach is Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman, who through a tweet on Thursday said he will go on fast on Friday to show solidarity to the protesters.
Tamil superstar, Rajinikanth is among the celebrities who will join Rahman in the protest to be held on Friday. Kamal Hassan has also extended support for Jallikattu. The mass protest on Friday will affect public life and public transport.
I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of
Tamilnadu!— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 19, 2017
According to the people opposing Jallikettu, the bulls are tortured by the organizers who used to feed them with liquor and throw chilly power in eyes in order to make them unstable and frenzy when they are suddenly let loose.
Jallikettu is conducted in the days ahead of the festival of Pongal that was celebrated last week. Many organizers of Jallikettu were taken into custody by police after they defied the Supreme Court order, thus escalating tension in Tamil Nadu.
Showing solidarity with the Tamil people, spiritual gurus Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeva, who command lakhs of followers, said the ban must be withdrawn.
“I support Jallikattu & request that the movement remains peaceful. Let’s have patience while a fresh appeal is made in SC (Supreme Court) with correct facts,” tweeted Sri Sri. “This is a celebratory kind of festival dedicated to animals. You should not take away the cultural strength of people, especially in rural areas,” said Sadhguru.
“While appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub judice,” said Chief Minister O Pannerselvam after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The final ruling of the Supreme Court on the issue is still awaited.
“People who have never been to Tamil Nadu are telling us about-about culture and calling it barbaric. The farmers treat these bulls like their children and no parent can be cruel to their child. Through Jallikattu the farmers are able to find the best bulls, which helps in the breeding of native species,” said Manikanda Venkatesh, a student from Tamil Nadu, who participated in protests in Delhi today.