Tamil Nadu: Jallikattu begins in Madurai; 19 injured so far [WATCH]

With the beginning of Pongal festival, Jallikattu has also started in full swing in three villages of Tamil Nadu’s Madurai on January 15. Today, the event took place in Madurai’s Avaniyapuram.

Jallikattu, also known as Eru Thazhuvuthal and Mancuvirattu, is practiced in the state as a part of Pongal celebrations on the day of Mattu Pongal. It is basically a sport that is played by farmers. In Jallikattu, a bull is let loose among participants, who are supposed to take control of the bull by holding on to its hump for as long as they can.

The participant who holds the bull’s hump for the longest time is considered the winner. However, the sport looks easy, but it is dangerous and can be deadly too.

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As per ANI, as many as 19 people got injured during the Jallikattu event in Avaniyapuram. Out of 19, 11 people were referred to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai for further treatment.

On Monday, Jallikattu will be held in Palamedu, and on Tuesday in Alanganallur.

The Madurai District Administration said that they have made all the necessary arrangements for the sport.

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“For Avaniyapuram, we have made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of Jallikattu. Ensuring the safety of bulls as well as players. 3 levels of barricading are put in to ensure that bulls play in the play arena and spectators are also protected,” said Aneesh Sekhar, Madurai District Collector.

“We will follow all regulations by SC as well as the Government of Tamil Nadu. In Avaniyapuram, there is the direction from High Court. Only 25 players will be playing at one time. We’re expecting 300 players and more than 800 players to participate this time,” he added.

The district administration has also issued covid guidelines to control the spread of the virus. As per the guidelines, only 300 bull tamers and 150 spectators are allowed in the Jallikattu competition. The bull tamers, who are participating in the sport, must be vaccinated with Covid vaccine.

Tamil Nadu government had announced that the Jallikattu competition, the heroic sport of the Tamils, will be held as planned on the coming Pongal, so youngsters have ventured into training bulls for Jallikattu.