This is the story of an unprecedented mobilisation of people rooted in traditions whilst
navigating a modern world and demanding their rightful place in policy making and
governance
“The word jallikattu literally means tying of ornaments. On a day fixed and advertised by
beat of drums at the adjacent weekly markets, a number of cattle, to the horns of which
cloths and handkerchiefs have been tied, are loosed one after the other, in quick
succession, from a large pen or other enclosure, amid a furious tom-tomming and loud
shouts from the crowd of assembled spectators. The animals have first to run the gauntlet
down a long lane formed of country carts, and then gallop off wildly in every direction.
The game consists in endeavouring to capture the cloths tied to their horns. To do this
requires fleetness of foot and considerable pluck, and those who are successful are the
heroes of the hour. Cuts and bruises are the reward of those who are less skilful, and now
and again some of the excited cattle charge into the on-lookers, and send a few of them
flying. The sport has been prohibited on more than one occasion.
