A pall of gloom descended over Tamil Nadu’s southern districts as the Supreme Court’s stay of the government notice allowing Jallikattu virtually ruled out the sport being conducted this year.

Thousands of disappointed youths protested against Tuesday’s stay, as the prospect of Pongal without Jallikattu loomed.

With the Centre clearing the decks for Jallikattu, organisers began preparing for the sport’s grand return. Bulls were decorated and made ready to face the tamers, while organisers also collected applications from the participants.

Chief Minister J Jayalalitha thanked the NDA government for allowing Jallikattu to be held as part of the Pongal festivities. The Madurai district administration was ready with supervisors and officials to oversee the safe conduct.

Despite beginning in a festive fervour, Tuesday turned dismal as protests erupted with the news of the apex court’s stay.

Thousands blocked the roads and shouted slogans against the decision.
Several groups, including organisers of Jallikattu events, demonstrated with bulls. Many in Palemedu and Alanganallur –the most famous venues for Jallikattu events—went on a hunger strike demanding withdrawal of the stay.

Black flags were hoisted in these places and several adjoining villages to show solidarity.
“Preparations (to hold the sport) were almost over,” Jallikattu Peravai Secretary Rajasekharan said.

 “Moreover, several participants have also registered with us. Stopping everything at the last minute hurts us a lot.”

He also hoped that the state and Centre would approach the court to lift the stay.
Jallikattu is organised each year from January to July, beginning with the world famous   knear Madurai on January 15 and at Alanganallur the next day.

Bull-taming events are also organised in Trichy, Pudukkottai, Dindigul, Theni, Thanjavur, Salem and Tirunelveli districts.