With less than 24-hours left for Pongal, the national debate between traditional sport Vs cruelty towards the bull has got further intensified. While protesters from across Tamil Nadu have made several appeals to remove the ‘bull’ from the list of performing animals, the government at the centre says there is nothing it can do to allow the Rekhla race and Jallikattu, this pongal. Finally, looks like this year too Pongal celebrations will be no different from what they were last year.
However, the supporters of Jallikattu are determined this year to conduct the sport despite the bans and consequences. The supporters have made their intentions loud and clear, while at some places the preliminary arrangements to conduct Jallikattu has commenced.
Back home in Ettimadai, on the outskirts of Coimbatore, protestor’s have hit the bullseye! A section of Jallikattu enthusiasts and ardent fans of the Rekla race have claimed that never mind the ban, the Rekla race and Jallikattu will be performed this Pongal.
In this regard, to symbolically display this determination of theirs, a rally was hosted. About 50 bullock carts manned by protestors were taken on a four-kilometer procession from the start point at Ettimadai. This procession made its way through the villages in this vicinity and finished back at Ettimadai.
Throughout the route, the infuriated protestors raised slogans requesting the government to impose a ban on the animal rights organization, like PETA. They reinstated that by banning Rekla race and Jallikattu, the existence of native cattle breeds will be severely impacted.
However, the supporters reassured that this Pongal will be celebrated by hosting the Rekla race and Jallikattu. Though tense moments prevailed in the zone, the supporters were seen in jubilation and determination.
Following this protest, this area remained tense.