The heart-thumping sport of Jallikattu, an age-old practice, is all set to come alive during Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu. The age-old spectacle takes place every mid-January, symbolizing the state’s strong cultural heritage and its love for its bovine friends.
Jallikattu is more than just a sport. It is the ultimate celebration of bravery, skill, and camaraderie. The sport has participants attempting to hold on to the hump of a bull and remain as long as possible on its back, all amidst cheers from thousands of spectators in cheering crowds in rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
The sport is very interrelated with the farming culture of the region; this sport symbolizes great respect given to cattle as part of agrarian culture. The bulls are highly trained and are decorated in bright colors, just as the society took pride and revered the animals.
Despite controversies concerning safety and the welfare of animals, Jallikattu has been a cultural highlight of Pongal celebrations, which garners attention across the world. This year also promises to offer the same adrenaline rush and thrills, a must-watch by cultural enthusiasts as well as the adrenaline junkies.