Pongal celebrated; Jallikatu ban plays spoilsport

The harvest festival of Pongal was celebrated across Tamil Nadu, though the festivity was low key in southern districts, including Madurai, following the Supreme Court ban on the bull taming sport of Jallikattu.People ushered in the auspicious month of 'Thai' and celebrated the festival by decorating the porches of their houses with colourful 'kolam' (rangoli) even as the faithful offered prayers to the Sun God.The aroma and taste of traditional sweet Pongal, made of jaggery, rice and milk, tickled the taste buds, as people shared the delicacy with neighbours and relatives.Folk arts, including village dances like Karakattam, marked the occasion, with people taking part with gay abandon.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had greeted the people of the state in Tamil.The mood was not as upbeat in Madurai and nearby areas, the hotbed of the bull taming sport, as joy following a Central government notification allowing it was short-lived due to the January 12 Apex Court ban staying Jallikattu and other sports involving the bovine.Joy had given way to anxiety following the ban with sport enthusiasts protesting in various parts of Madurai and nearby districts like Theni today.