'Jallikattu' ban casts shadow on Pongal in TN

Madurai, Jan 15: The harvest festival of Pongal is being celebrated with pomp and gaiety in southern districts of Tamil Nadu even as some villages are observing the occasion as 'Black Pongal' to protest the Supreme Court verdict banning 'Jallikattu' (taming of bulls), a popular rural sport.

Black flags have been hoisted in most of the houses in Alanganallur and Palamedu villages in the district. Residents of Alanganallur village, the venue for the world-famous 'Alanganallur Jallikattu,' are on fast for the third day in succession for lifting of the ban. Some residents told the sources they were waiting for the Supreme Court verdict on the review petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Government for deciding the future course of action.

Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees thronged famous temples in the district today marking the beginning of the auspicious month of 'Thai.' Special poojas and 'abhishekams' were performed in almost all the temples to mark the occasion.

UNI