Madurai: Jallikattu (Taming of Bulls) got off to a colourful mark in South Tamil Nadu, which is famous for hosting the event though the event was marred by injuries.Twenty people were injured in Jallikattu also popularly called 'Manju Virattu' held at Avaniyapuram Village, the first such event to be held in Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu as part of the ongoing harvest festival of Pongal, here today.
Ferocious bulls were let out one by one through Vadi Vaasal (the entrance through which they are released) which charged at everybody and everything that came their way. Over 140 agile youngsters tamed the bulls.
In all 149 specially reared bulls brought from Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar participated in the event. More than 10,000 spectators from various parts of Tamil Nadu congregated at the village to witness the event. The whole event was held under the watchful eyes of the officials of Animal Welfare Board of India, besides Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Police Departments as per the stipulations laid by the Apex Court.
All the bulls were subjected to medical test by a team of veterinary doctors before the commencement of the event.
The participants also were subjected to thorough verification by the police to ensure whether they were carrying any sharp weapons.
The world-renowned ''Alanganallur Jallikattu'' will be held in Madurai on January 17.
