Do you find similarities between Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu and Maharashtra’s bullock cart race, or even dahi handi and snake festival? Many have started comparing them — both are popular traditional sporting events with religious undertones — especially after a political intervention has come into force to lift a ban on Jallikattu. The events in Maharashtra face legal hurdles too. Dahi handi is permitted with strict regulations, but the SC banned bullock cart racing around the same time that Jallikattu was banned in TN.

Supporters of bullock cart racing, which involves animals, and hence faces the ire of animal lovers, find resonance with the Tamilian pride that was on display on Chennai’s Marina Beach and elsewhere in the country where Tamilians have a significant presence. A human chain was formed in support of Jallikattu in Chembur. Tamilian celebrities, sport stars and artistes also took up the cause in a big way. The state and Centre gave in to the pressure and passed an ordinance that is awaiting the President’s nod. The state is now bullish and the people there will play Jallikattu with a renewed vigour.