Man versus beast: 30 snapshots of heart-stopping action from jallikattu in Tamil Nadu

Enthusiasts sit above the vaadivasal, the entrance to the passage through which the bull come charging through

First glance of a bull rushing out of the vaadivasal as the waiting sportsmen get ready to rein it in, first chance they get

A bull almost pins a competitor to the wall as the action begins in full swing

Another bull aims right for the waiting crowd as it emerges from the vaadivasal

Even before this bull steps on to the arena, eager players try to latch on to its body

But the bull shakes them off easily and pounces into the field

Another one too seems like it would get overpowered in this many versus one game

Here, it seems to be a one-to-one battle as a youth hangs on for dear life and a chance for glory

Acrobatics came in handy as this youth tried to dodge the bull's horns

The bull got him in a flash, however, showing him who's boss

Who will prove their valour? Various teams try their luck

Up, up and away

Full frontal attack

Man versus beast turns fight to determine the alpha male among bulls

As the bull runs helter skelter, the man awaits his window of opportunity

Hard to tame, might as well trail

Airborne after a painful launch

Freeze frame

The might of the many, fallen

Too close for comfort

Who will make it?

Pride before the fall

Countless matadors

Rodeo style

Me and my bull

And the winner in 3,2,1...

A fight to the finish

Sons of the soil

Another bites the dust