NAMAKKAL: The very sight of a mighty bull would surely send shivers down the spine for many people. But here is a woman, who is fearless and has been handling a Jallikattu bull for many years. Not just that, the animal has brought her laurels by winning several events.
Thirty-five-year-old Kannagi owns a farm on the foot of Kolli hills at Alanganatham Kejakombai. The bull, fondly called ‘amma madu’, as it is run by the woman during Jallikattu, appears to be quiet, just like the atmosphere prevailing in the village. It readily obeys the gestures of Kannagi, whenever she waves her hands at it or orders something.
None other than Kannagi dare to even touch the bull in the family. “Not even my husband would dare to touch it,” said the short-statured woman, a mother of four. She is like a ring master, while handling the bull. At the same time, she also showers kindness on the animal and gives it a lot of care.
Recalling her experience with the bull named as ‘Paravasaparavai’ (exciting bird), she narrated that it had won prizes at many places, including popular Alanganallur, Pallavarayanpatti and Chakkidi in the past.
Now, the animal is getting ready to participate in a Jallikattu at Alanganatham, the soil of the brave sport, on the day of Pongal festival. “We are in the race at Alanganallur this time. So are in full swing to get the bull ready for the fight,” Kannagi said.
Some others in Alanganatham and Pottireddipatti also raise bulls for Jallikattu for years. Satrichi Arumugam, a resident of Pottireddipatti, is planning to take his ‘Minnal’ to Alanganallur in Madurai.
The name itself suggests the caliber of the bull as it is very swift in movement and in tearing apart the youngsters who dare to tame it. “Minnal has earned prizes in several contests,” Arumugam said.
“We can leave our children without food, but not the bull. It is like a loving child for us,” Kannagi and Arumugam said, while explaining how much they care for their animals.