Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Flags Off Madurai's Famous Alanganallur Jallikattu

Hundreds of participants took part in the Jallikattu event where bulls were released one by one through Vaadivasal (Entry point).

Every year, Jallikattu is held in districts including Madurai, Trichy, Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts during the four-day Pongal festivities.

Source : Twitter/@Udhay

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Sports Minister of Tamil Nadu, flagged off the Jallikattu bull-taming sport in the renowned Alanganallur of Madurai district on Wednesday. Hundreds of participants took part in the event where bulls were released one by one through Vaadivasal (Entry point). Tamers faced the challenge of gripping the hump and gaining control over the powerful animal on Wednesday.

According to ANI, Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flags off the bull-taming sport Jallikattu.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flags off the bull-taming sport Jallikattu pic.twitter.com/CpjmLbtU7Y

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2024

Winners of the bull-taming event were given prizes including bicycles, electrical appliances, and silver or gold coins. Notably, some were awarded with rings featuring the images of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The bull-taming event takes place amidst concerns regarding animal welfare, leading to controversies and debates surrounding its ethical dimensions. However, the bull is not harmed in the event but the sport is seen as a way to celebrate and preserve cultural traditions.

Every year, Jallikattu is held in districts including Madurai, Trichy, Pudukottai and Thanjavur districts during the four-day Pongal festivities. Among these, Madurai is viewed as the heartland where over 12,176 bulls and 4,514 tamers were enrolled for the competition.

Meanwhile, the famous bull race, known as Rekla race, is being held in Thirukkadayur of Mayiladuthurai district.

In Tharangambadi Taluk of Mayiladuthurai district in Tamil Nadu, the annual Pongal festival witnesses cart races. This event attracts participants from various districts of Tamil Nadu resulting in a celebration. However, due to restrictions imposed in the past three years due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional festival faced obstacles. However, this year, Rekla race is being held with fanfare in the district.