Oscar winning music director AR Rahman has announced that he will observe a day-long fast on Friday, along with members of the Nadigar Sangam — the South Indian Artistes Association — to express solidarity with people protesting against the ban on Jallikattu.
"I'm fasting tomorrow to support the spirit of Tamil Nadu," Rahman posted on Twitter on Thursday.
Various artistes of the Tamil film fraternity will participate in the fast in support of Jallikattu, the ancient and popular bull-taming sport.
Thousands of young men and women here have demanded not only an end to the ban on Jallikattu but also a ban on People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which opposes the sport.
In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the animal's hump for a stipulated distance or for a minimum of three jumps by the bull.
The Supreme Court banned Jallikattu in May 2014, saying that bulls cannot be used as performing animals including bullock-cart races. Since then, people have been urging the central government to take steps to allow the sport.
Various celebrities from southern cinema, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan and Vetrimaaran have supported the protest against the ban.
"Jallikattu is an integral element of the voice and identity of Tamilians," said Dhanush.
Actress Nayanthara, who is not on social media, released a pro-Jallikattu statement. “The power of the youth is proven again," she said. "What Tamil Nadu has been witnessing for the past few days in support of Jallikattu is unprecedented. It indeed makes me proud to be part of this state. As the youngsters fight out the various law enforcing agencies in the most passive manner, I support the cause of the people of Tamil Nadu who support Jallikattu. If not by birth, at least by the force of emotion and pride I’m a Tamilian," read her statement.
Here are some tweets by celebrities on the issue of the Jallikattu ban.