Thousands gathered in support of Jallikattu, also demanding a ban on PETA.
Jallikattu is a bull taming sport, typically practiced in Tamil Nadu, as a part of Pongal celebrations, which has been in existence for over 2,000 years.
Earlier in 2014, the Supreme Court banned Jallikattu on grounds of animal cruelty. People in support of Jallikattu view the sport as part of Tamil Nadu's culture and tradition and say that banning it would lead to the extinction of indigenous cattle breeds.
After the court rejected a plea on January 12 to pass its verdict on Jallikattu before the Pongal festival, for the third year in a row, Tamil Nadu witnessed widespread protests, which dampened the festive spirit in the state, with the latest one being the huge gathering at the Marina beach on Wednesday, in support of the festival.
Even as the Madras High Court on Wednesday said it will not "interfere" on the agitation in support of the bull-taming sport, pro-jallikattu protests gained steam across Tamil Nadu. The state government also held talks with the protesters to sort out the matter.
Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam said he would meet PM Narendra Modi to seek an ordinance allowing jallikattu
(With Agency Inputs)
1. What is Jallikattu?
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Jallikattu is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. Bulls are bred specifically for the purpose of this sport. The Supreme Court banned this sport in 2014 citing animal welfare issues.
Image courtesy: AFP
2. Pro-Jallikattu Protests
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Protestors gathered at Marina beach on Wednesday, demanding the ban to be lifted on the traditional sport, in Chennai.
Image courtesy: PTI
3. Students protest to lift the ban on the traditional sport
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Students holding posters during a protest to lift the ban on Jallikattu. Supporters of the sport say Jallikattu is more than 2,000 years old and is an integral part of the celebration of Pongal.
Image courtesy: PTI
4. Thousands gather in support of Jallikattu, demanding a ban on PETA
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Thousands gathered at a protest rally demanding the Central Government lift the ban against Jallikattu, shouting slogans and holding placards. They also called for a ban on animal rights organisation PETA.
Image courtesy: AFP
5. Jallikattu as usual, despite Supreme Court's orders
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Jallikattu events were held in some parts of the state, like this one in Madurai on Monday, despite the Supreme Court's orders banning the sport.
Image courtesy: AFP
6. Taming the Bull
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People participate in Jallikattu despite the Supreme Court's ban on such sporting events in a small village of Madurai.
Image courtesy: PTI
