Ahead of the Pongal festival, the TamilNadu government gave a nod for Jallikattu by releasing new covid-19 guidelines on Wednesday.
Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that has it’s origin in Tamil Nadu. As per the recent rule, the event must be organised by following certain Covid-19 guidelines to uproot the spread of the virus.
As per the guidelines issued, only 300 bull tamers will be allowed to participate in Jallikattu, Manjuvirattu, and Vadamadu events. In erudhu vidum vizha (traditional bull races), only 150 racers will be allowed to participate. All the players will be permitted to participate only after testing negative for covid-19.
Spectators will witness the event with 50 per cent of the total capacity of the open seats. “All entrants will first undergo thermal screening to check the body temperature. Other safety measures like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing are mandatory,” the guidelines read.
Jallikattu has been a popular sport and been mired in heated debates when it was temporarily banned numerous times over the years, as animal welfare groups like PETA (People for the ethical treatment for animals )have called it brutal. But political parties and citizens of the state have demanded to permit, as it is part of TN’s tradition and culture.