In Tamil Nadu, the traditional bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, took center stage in Avaniyapuram on Tuesday as part of the Pongal harvest festival celebrations. While the event displayed grit by tamers, it also saw the demise of a tamer and numerous injuries including to spectators.

The jallikattu witnessed participation of 825 bulls and 500 tamers under tight security arrangements. On Tuesday, bulls adorned with sandal paste charged out of the Vadivasal—the arena’s entry point— and young men vied to grab their humps. The energetic atmosphere drew crowds of spectators, some of whom were so captivated by the action that they ventured into the arena in Avaniyapuram.

However, even after the tamers’ best efforts, several bulls eluded their grasp demonstrating their strength and agility.  

The event too witnessed Navin Kumar, a young participant, fatally gored by a bull. At least 10 others sustained injuries with Madurai District Collector Sangeetha later confirming a total of 75 injuries, including 30 serious cases.

Speaking to the media, Collector Sangeetha stated to ANI, “There are a total of 75 people injured, out of which 30 people have sustained grievous injuries and 45 people have minor injuries…One person has died. We will appeal to the government to provide aid to the family of the deceased from the Chief Ministers relief fund.”

Prizes Worth Rs 20 L Distributed

The event also celebrated the skill of participants and the resilience of the bulls with prizes worth Rs 20 lakh. Malayandi, whose bull was declared the best for evading tamers, received a tractor as the top prize. Karthik, who subdued 19 bulls, was awarded a car for his outstanding performance. Ranjit Kumar of Avaniyapuram earned Rs 1 lakh for taming a particularly ferocious bull. Other winners received motorcycles and cash prizes.

The top prizes were presented on behalf of Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Minister for Commercial Taxes P. Moorthy, Minister for Information Technology Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, and senior district officials attended the event.

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