THE SOUTH INDIAN GAME OF DEATH

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Jallikattu: Death knell in the offing?

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Madurai, Jan 21: " Jallikattu " , the Indian version of the gory game of

bull fighting which has become a major tourist attraction, could turn

into a dyeing dance if steps are not taken to ensure the safety of the

fighters and spectators, including foreigners, besides preventing

cruelty to the animals.

 

 

Vivekanandan and V Sankaralingam of the Animals' Welfare Foundation,

say the number of deaths resulting from Jallikattu had touched six at

different places in Tamil Nadu this year and the number of injured

crossed 1,000--all for cheap prizes ranging from utensils to furniture

to cash. Only one or two highly trained bulls carry prizes like gold

coins or jewellery.

 

 

The state Tourism Department invites foreigners visiting the country

during the Pongal Festival to attend the Jallikattu as spectators. But

then, they are not able to enjoy the thrilling game or take snaps of

the bulls as neither the department nor the district administration

makes proper arrangements for them to view the game, says Pasupathi a

native of Alanganallur.

 

 

The galleries set up for tourists are occupied by the police and

district officials, forcing the tourists to leave the site without

even witnessing the sports event, he said.

 

 

" It is a very poor arrangement " , said Allwyn, a tourist. " They have

invited us all the way and we are not even able to take a snap of the

game " .

 

 

A Romanian tourist complained that a powder flung on the bulls caused

" itching " for the tourists also.

 

 

Rathu, a tourist, said that after some powder was thrown on him and he

developed itching and had to be treated at a local medical camp.

 

 

There were complaints of misbehaviour too, like attempts to snatch

cameras, even in the presence of policemen. Drunken brawls between the

participants also mar the game.

 

 

The site of the games are often very narrow, leading to injuries, Rathu said.

 

 

Though the bulls are traditionally to be tamed by holding the horns,

the game tactics have changed and now the participants need to hold on

to the hump for a certain distance.

 

 

Alanganallur and Palamedu had become popular for bull fights because

they were traditional venues of the game, said Sundarapandian, a local

senior citizen.

 

 

There was a time when participants in Jallikattu would win brides.

 

 

It was also once exclusive to the royal army, while now it has become

a brand for promoting tourism, said V Subbu, a Revenue official.

 

 

He attributed the deaths in the sport to overcrowding at the venue and

drunkenness of the participants.

 

 

Preparing the bulls for the event by means such as whetting the horns,

applying oil on the humps and drugging them with steroids or narcotic

substances bring blemish to the game. (Agencies)

 

 

Published: Sunday, January 22, 2006