Madurai: ‘Jallikattu,’ the annual bull taming event slated to be held in several parts of Tamil Nadu began on Wednesday, the Pongal day. As many as 641 bulls and 607 tamers took part.
As many as 397 bulls of the total 641 that entered the arena could not be dominated by tamers and these animals emerged successful, an official told PTI. “Don’t touch the horns,” “many men don’t chase one animal,” “allow the bull to go; it has won,” were among the instructions that reverberated in the arena for participants.
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The sporting arena was barricaded from the enclosures marked for spectators.
An official said medical examination of both the men and animals decided their participation. He said 62 men were injured, including 34 participants and 28 spectators, of whom eight were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital.
However, no bull was injured, he added.
The event was held under the supervision of a panel, led by a retired judge.