Celebrations in Tamil Nadu after Centre allows Jallikattu

New Delhi: Celebrations erupted across the state and opposition DMK called it a victory for Tamil Nadu culture after the Centre issued a notification allowing the controversial bull taming sport Jallikattu.

Crackers were burst and sweets distributed in southern districts of Tamil Nadu to celebrate the news as the decision comes just ahead of the Pongal festival.

"This is no political issue, this is a cultural event. This is a heritage that should continue. There are SC guidelines and we will follow them," DMK leader Saravanan Annadurai said.

The decision to allow Jallikattu and bullock cart races in other parts of the country came despite objections by animal rights groups. In poll-bound

Tamil Nadu the demand for its restoration came from all political parties.

Jallikattu also known Eruthazhuvuthal is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations in mid-January.

"...bulls may be continued to be exhibited or trained as a performing animal, at events such as Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat in the manner by customs of any community or practiced traditionally," the notification said.

However, the Centre has also put some conditions, saying bullock cart race shall be organised on a proper track, which shall not exceed two kilometres.

In case of Jallikattu, the moment the bull leaves the enclosure, it should be tamed within a radial distance of 15 metre and it should also be ensured that the bulls are put to proper testing by authorities of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department to ensure that they are in good physical condition to participate in the event.

The Centre also specified that performance enhancement drugs should not be administered to the bulls.

In a tweet, Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan said, "Central government has given permission for holding Jallikattu.

Union minister @PrakashJavdekar called me now to give the good news that arrangements to conduct #Jallikattu in TN has been made."

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the move.

( With inputs from PTI)