In a momentous event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a grand Jallikattu arena in Madurai, dedicating it to his late father and DMK patriarch, M Karunanidhi. Named the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena, situated in Keelakarai village, this impressive facility can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. The Tamil Nadu government has invested a substantial sum of Rs 44 crore in constructing this arena, spread across a vast expanse of 66 acres.
During the inauguration, MK Stalin reflected on the historical significance of Jallikattu in the state. He recounted a challenging period in 2014 when the sport faced restrictions, leading to a massive public protest at Marina in Chennai three years later. Stalin emphasized the importance of the public's demand for the continuation of Jallikattu, and he criticized the then AIADMK government for resorting to violence against peaceful protesters. Despite the state-wide demonstrations, he pointed out that a lasting solution was not achieved, and the annual granting of permission by the BJP-led Union government became a recurring ritual.
The inauguration of the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena precedes the upcoming Jallikattu festival, a time-honored tradition dating back nearly a millennium. This traditional sport involves a group of men attempting to tame a bull by grasping its 'Thimil' (hump) on its back. The rules dictate that only one tamer can engage with a bull, holding onto its Thimil and persevering until it crosses a specified distance. If the bull remains stationary, the tamer must maintain control until it completes three spins.
Jallikattu faced controversy when the Supreme Court banned it in 2014 on grounds of animal cruelty. However, after extensive protests, the Tamil Nadu government passed an amendment in the Assembly in 2017, lifting the ban and reinstating the traditional sport. Adhering to court-mandated safety norms for both animals and tamers, the newly inaugurated arena includes medical facilities for the well-being of participants, bulls, and features a museum. The Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena stands as a symbol of the cultural heritage and resilience of Jallikattu, offering a dedicated space to continue this age-old tradition.
