In the state of Tamil Nadu, the traditional bull taming sport Jallikattu is celebrated as part of which festival?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Pongal

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Jallikattu is a famous traditional bull taming event in Tamil Nadu that has been at the centre of cultural and legal debates. It is closely associated with a particular harvest festival and reflects the agrarian heritage of the region. Questions in general knowledge and state specific exams often test the link between Jallikattu and the festival with which it is celebrated.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question refers to Jallikattu as practiced in Tamil Nadu.
- It asks which festival includes this bull taming sport as a traditional part of the celebrations.
- The options include Onam, Pongal, Natyanjali, Hampi Utsav and Ugadi.


Concept / Approach:
Jallikattu is held during the harvest festival that is celebrated in mid January in Tamil Nadu. This festival is called Pongal and is similar in timing to Makar Sankranti in other parts of India. Recognising that Jallikattu is a highlight of Pongal festivities allows easy selection of the correct answer from the list of options.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jallikattu involves young men attempting to embrace or hold on to bulls and is deeply linked to rural Tamil culture. Step 2: Remember that this event is typically organised during the harvest festival in January. Step 3: Identify Pongal as the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu celebrated in mid January, during which Jallikattu events are held in several districts. Step 4: Compare with other options: Onam is a festival of Kerala, Natyanjali is a dance festival, Hampi Utsav is associated with Karnataka, and Ugadi is a New Year festival in some southern states but not specifically linked with Jallikattu. Step 5: Conclude that Pongal is the correct festival associated with Jallikattu.


Verification / Alternative check:
News coverage, documentaries and cultural descriptions of Tamil Nadu repeatedly mention Jallikattu as a Pongal time event. When legal disputes about Jallikattu reached the courts, discussions also noted its association with the harvest festival of Pongal as part of the cultural argument. This consistent portrayal in multiple sources confirms the link between Jallikattu and Pongal.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Onam: This is a major festival of Kerala, not Tamil Nadu, and it does not feature Jallikattu as a traditional event.
Natyanjali dance festival: This is focused on classical dance offerings, not bull taming sports.
Hampi Utsav: Associated with cultural celebrations in Karnataka and not with Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.
Ugadi: New Year festival in parts of South India but not the occasion for Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates mix up different South Indian festivals because they occur near the same time and share agrarian themes. Another pitfall is to associate any prominent festival with any well known cultural event without checking the specific region. By firmly linking Pongal with Tamil Nadu rural traditions and Jallikattu, candidates can avoid these mistakes.


Final Answer:
Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu, is celebrated as part of the Pongal festival.

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