Inaugurating the new jallikattu (bull-taming) arena in Madurai, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said he was proud to have reinstated the glory of jallikattu in the state. The new arena is named after his father former CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi and called ‘Kalaignar Nootranduu Aeruthazhuvuthal Arangam’ (Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena).
In his speech, Stalin also spoke about how caste and religious differences were created to destroy the unity of the Tamils but celebrating such cultural festivals, like jallikattu, will unite everyone. “The Jallikattu arena, a traditional sport of Tamils, has been built by the DMK government in Madurai. The opening of this Jallikattu arena during the Karunanidhi centenary is an extra special feature. I am proud to have my name in history as Stalin who built the Jallikattu stadium.”
Stalin added, “At this juncture what I want to tell you is–caste divisions and religious differences were created later to destroy Tamils’ unity. Let us conduct such cultural festivals unitedly with the Tamil identity.”
Jallikattu is referred to as ‘aeruthazhuvuthal’ meaning embrace the bull and Stalin reiterated that ‘aeruthazhuvuthal’ was a symbol of Tamil culture. He alleged that the BJP government created a ‘drama’ over allowing Tamil Nadu to conduct the jallikattu but the Surpeme Court gave Tamil Nadu a positive verdict.
“Aringar Anna gave Tamil Nadu its name. Kalaignar Karunanidhi took efforts to get ‘Semmozhi’ status for our ancient language, Tamil. Now, the DMK government has constructed Kalaignar Centenary Aeruthazhuvuthal Arena. People are asked to celebrate the Aeruthazhuvuthal (jallikattu) with unity,” concluded Stalin.
The ‘Kalaignar Nootranduu Aeruthazhuvuthal Arangam’ (Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena) is situated in Keelakarai village in Alanganallur, Madurai, and is spread over 65 acres and was a built at cost of around Rs 63 crore. After the inauguration, the CM flagged off the first jallikattu in the arena. The event saw 500 bulls and 300 tamers take part and a reward of a Thar jeep worth Rs 20 lakh apparently for the winner.