Pongal was celebrated with renewed vigour in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday as people welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to grant conditional permission to Jallikattu, the traditional sport of taming bulls, by bursting crackers and dancing on the streets.
The apex court order to conditionally permit holding the sport, three days after it declined to permit it, was received with jubilation in some of the villages where Jallikattu is held during the Pongal festival from time immemorial.
As the news of the apex court order came in, villagers in Alanganallur, Palamedu and other areas in this district immediately ended their two-day fast, which they had undertaken to protest against the January 12 court order.
Reports from different places in the 11 districts, where Jallikattu is celebrated every year, said the organisers of the events had begun preparations to hold the event in a big way in the aftermath of today's court order.
In Avanaipuraam near Madurai, the event was scheduled to be held today afternoon, but it was postponed to January 24. In Alanganallur, the event is held every year in association with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, and attracts many foreign tourists. This year, it will be held on January 17.
Police said that arrangements were being made for smooth conduct of the festival, as per the apex court guidelines.