TIRUCHY: Jallikattu organisers here have begun preparing for the ancient sport that coincides with Pongal. Specific breeds of bulls like Kannavaram, Kangayam and Baraguru, priced at around Rs 2 lakh are trained for the sport. Other breeds cost can cost anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh. In fact, organisers prepare for the sport throughout the year. “We select calves to be used and feed them on a nutritious diet,” said O Kumar (30) of Kallukuzhi who has been rearing Jallikattu bulls for over 10 years now.The Jallikattu Regulation Act of 2009 and the notification of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (which clubbed bulls along with lions, tigers and bears in the list of animals which should not be exhibited in public) created several hurdles for the sport. Organisers have approached the court seeking a stay of the notification. T Ondiraj, state secretary of Tamil Nadu Veera Vilayattu Pathukappu Peravai said that after the implementation of strict norms (like deposits ranging from Rs 2 to 5 lakh), the number of events, participants and spectators has dwindled.As training of bulls continues, organisers hope for a positive court verdict.
Comments
0 comment