Jallikattu: Chess Grandmaster Anand says it is cultural symbol of Tamil Nadu

He tweeted, "My state rises again. In unison . In peace. Proud to be a #tamizhanda.Genext here are modern yet culturally rooted. #JusticeforJallikattu."

Popular actor Prabhu Deva, talking about the gathering of the protesters in Chennai's Marina Beach, tweeted, "  silent in an ahimsa way non political way of agitation to lift ban on Jallikattu by 1000s n 1000s of students in marina beach Chennai ".

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in an interview to CNN-News18 on Jallikattu said, "If a ban has to be placed then it should be on slaughter houses."

Jallikattu, the bull taming sport, popular in Tamil Nadu and usually held during the Pongal celebrations were banned by the Supreme Court in May 2014 on pleas from animal rights activists who cited cruelty to animals as the main reason for banning the sport.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday.

While the CM asked MP Modi to issue an ordinance and remove the ban on the sport, the PM said that the matter is subjudice, according to media reports.

However, the chief minister said that the PM is sympathetic towards the feelings of the people of Tamil Nadu over Jallikattu, and the people can 'expect action soon', the media reported.

AIADMK chief Sasikala has also written a letter to the PM on the issue.

Meanwhile, the protest at Marina Beach in Chennai swelled manifold on Thursday with the protesters demanding that transport stays off the road on Friday, media reported.

The protesters also threatened not to disperse until their demand is met about removing the ban on Jallikattu, media reported.