Chennai: About 700 bulls and 936 tamers took part in the Jallikattu that began in Palamedu near Madurai today.
The tamers and bulls were allowed to take part in the event after thorough medical check up. The tamers, mostly youngsters, were asked to take oath ahead of the game.
Similarly, Jallikattu was also held in Sooriyur in Trichy in which 600 bulls and 500 tamers took part. Several visitors from various parts of the State and tourists from abroad made their way to the arena to watch the bulls fight their way out of the Vadivasal.
There was a mild scuffle near the Jallikattu venue as a few people tried to make their bulls participate in the event without getting token.
It may be noted that the first event of the bull taming sport began at Avaniyapuram yesterday in which a total of 644 bulls and 610 bull tamers took part. A total of nine rounds were held during which 75 bulls were released for each round.
Sources said that 71 participants were injured during the event. A bull belonging to Anuradha from Pudukottai was adjudged the winner. Tamer Vijay was given a two-wheeler as prize for catching 14 bulls. Jallikattu will be held in Alanganallur on 17 January.
Meanwhile, Minister R B Udhayakumar today said the government has been conducting Jallikattu successfully for the past three years after the passing of a special ordinance.
PTI adds…
Jallikattu, the popular bull taming sport of Tamilnadu lived up to its reputation of being a huge crowd-puller as the contest unfolded at both Palamedu and Suriyur.
As thousands of spectators continued to flock both the events, the tamers were awed by several bulls which were determined to not allow anyone to even come anywhere near them.
Interestingly, a huge bull not only allowed none to go near it, but also stood boldly on the sporting arena for a while refusing to move on. When a team of men arrived on a mini-truck to drive it away, it kept charging towards the vehicle. Eventually, a man well trained in cattle rearing managed to throw a rope around its neck and led it away.
Approximately 1,000 bulls and an equal number of tamers are taking part in these two events. In Palamedu, the event was inaugurated by Revenue Minister Udhayakumar and tamers took an oath to stick to rules and not do anything that may harm the animals. Jallikattu was held at Avaniapuram on Wednesday to mark the start of the annual event.