As Pongal fervor envelops Madurai, Jallikattu, the age-old bull-taming spectacle, is eagerly anticipated. The events are scheduled as follows: Avaniyapuram on January 15, Palamedu Jallikattu at Palamedu village on January 16, and the renowned Alanganallur Jallikattu competition on January 17.
Participants vie for coveted prizes, with the best bull and bull-tamer in each event standing a chance to win a car. The enthusiasm is palpable, as 12,176 bulls and 4,514 bull tamers from across the state have enthusiastically enlisted online. Scrutiny will ensure a fair competition, filtering out double entries and those lacking proper documentation.
Avaniapuram Jallikattu boasts 2,400 registered bulls and 1,318 tamers, Palamedu Jallikattu showcases 3,677 bulls and 1,412 tamers, and the Alanganallur event draws in a staggering 6,099 bulls and 1,784 tamers.
Underlining its global appeal, Sri Lanka recently hosted its inaugural Jallikattu event in Triconmalee. The event, inaugurated by Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman and Malaysia's Member of Parliament Saravanan Murugan on January 6, signifies the sport's growing international recognition.
Jallikattu, deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu's cultural fabric, faced a ban in 2014. However, in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government, emphasizing safety, permitted the event through an ordinance. In a landmark decision in May 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the state's law, acknowledging the cultural significance of Jallikattu and ensuring the humane treatment of bulls during the competitions.