From time immemorial, the third day of the Tamil month ‘Thai’ is usually filled with enthusiasm in the otherwise calm Alanganallur, about 20km from here, as jallikattu used to be conducted with much fanfare.
However, this year on Saturday, the hamlet wore a deserted look as the popular sport has been banned by the Supreme Court.
“Alanganallur is synonymous with jallikattu. As Madurai is known for its ‘Malli’ [jasmine], jallikattu instantly brings to mind Alanganallur,” says 63-year-old Satyamurthi of Nagamalai Pudukottai, who has been witnessing the sport with his family every year.
“We used to pack food and go there [Alanganallur]. Witnessing the bulls and the bull-tamers would be fun. But, today, we went there as usual with hope, but the vaadi vaasal was deserted. I couldn’t digest the fact that the next generation would no more witness this sport,” he said.
The villagers, particularly women, were critical of the attitude of the governments. “When our sentiments have not been respected, we feel let down. What is that they [officials and police] have achieved by stopping the sport, which was loved by one and all here. It is surely a black day for us and we cannot tolerate the attitude of people behind the ban.”
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko accused the Union government of playing spoilsport, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi volunteers staged a demonstration demanding the authorities to get the ban revoked. Many houses hoisted black flags on top as a mark of protest.
As a mark of respect and thanksgiving, the local temple priest brought a decorated bull around the village. However, suspecting that the youth may bring in more bulls, the police did not permit him to go ahead. A wordy altercation between the police and locals caused some anxious moments.
Some foreigners, who had come to the venue as part of a guided tour, said that it was unfortunate that there was no jallikattu.
