'Jallikattu' ban casts shadow over Pongal in TN

Chennai, Jan 15 (UNI) The harvest festival of Pongal was celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm in the city today even as the Supreme Court ban on 'Jallikattu' dampened the festive spirit among the people of the southern region.

The city wore a festive look with all government buildings decorated and illuminated.

Clad in new clothes, people exchanged greetings with their friends and relatives while hundreds of devotees thronged famous temples in the city to offer prayers.

People partook special 'Sweet Pongal' cooked with rice, milk and jaggery, an integral part of the festival.

Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Opposition Leader and AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa, TNCC President Krishnasamy and leaders of various political parties greeted the people on the occasion.

A report from Madurai said Pongal was celebrated with pomp in southern districts of the state even as some villages were observing the occasion as 'Black Pongal' to protest the Supreme Court verdict banning 'Jallikattu,' 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 UNI 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.

UNI SNR-GSM AJ SB SSC1422