Madurai, Feb 12: A total of 36 people, including 18 bull tamers and 15 bull owners, were injured during the Jallikattu event held at the Kalaignar Centenary Aṛuthazhuvuthal arena in Kilakarai near Alanganallur, Madurai district.The two-day event began on Tuesday with great enthusiasm, as packed stands cheered for the participants. Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, P. Moorthy, inaugurated the event in the presence of District Revenue Officer R. Sakthivel and Revenue Divisional Officer R.D. Shalini. The competition officially started after the bull tamers took an oath.
Bulls from various regions, including Anaiyur, Kulamangalam, Chatrapatti, Veerapandi, Iyer Bungalow, Tiruppalai, Kannanendal, Kadachanendhal, and Panangadi, fiercely entered the arena, challenging the tamers. The bulls charged through the vaadivaasal, while the tamers displayed great determination to dominate the contest.
Throughout the day, 858 bulls were released in eight rounds, and several bulls and tamers who performed well received prizes. The event attracted a large crowd, with spectators enjoying the intense competition.
District Health Officer P. Kumaraguruparan stated that seven medical teams were deployed to screen the bull tamers before each round, following standard procedures. Out of 385 tamers screened, 10 were disqualified for not meeting the required criteria.
According to Animal Husbandry Department sources, two bulls out of 860 were rejected for being underweight and having false documentation.
The event, despite injuries, continued to celebrate Tamil Nadu’s rich tradition, drawing massive crowds and enthusiastic participation.