With Two Weeks To Go For Jallikattu, Bull Training In Full Swing In Madurai

Preparations are in full swing in Tamil Nadu for the traditional bull-taming sport, Jallikattu. The event in Madurai spans three days, commencing on January 15. Avaniyapuram hosts the first day, followed by Palamedu on January 16 and Alanganallur on January 17, as shared by Madurai District Collector Sangeetha, M.S Sangeetha. Bull training is actively taking place in Avaniyapuram in anticipation of the Jallikattu event.

In an interview with ANI, Rajkumar, a bull owner, expressed, “We’ve had Jallikattu bulls for seven generations. Our bull will partake in all Jallikattu events across districts, having won numerous competitions. We’ve been training it in walking and swimming for the upcoming event.” As part of the preparations, residents painted their houses anew, embracing the centuries-old tradition.

Jallikattu, a traditional event rooted in Tamil Nadu’s Pongal celebrations, involves releasing a bull into a crowd where participants strive to grab its hump, aiming to bring it to a stop. Despite concerns about injury to both participants and bulls, animal rights organisations sought a ban on the sport. Following extensive protests against the ban, the Supreme Court, in May 2023, upheld the Tamil Nadu government’s law, permitting the continuation of the bull-taming sport Jallikattu in the state.

A five-judge Constitution bench consisting of Justices KM Joseph, Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy, and CT Ravikumar presided over petitions challenging the laws of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra permitting the bull-taming sport Jallikattu and bullock cart races. The Tamil Nadu government, in defence, argued before the apex court that Jallikattu qualifies as a cultural event, asserting that there is no cruelty inflicted upon the bulls during the sport.

In the lead-up to Jallikattu events, veterinary doctors issue fitness certificates for bulls, a mandatory requirement for participation. Bulls must be at least three years old, and undergo screening for deformities and injuries, and only those with a height of 120cm are eligible to participate. A fitness certificate is necessary for registration, and preparations, including discussions on fixing rubber bushes on bull horns, are underway in a scheduled meeting.