Jallikattu on ‘Mattu Pongal’ at Palamedu sees 930 bulls participating

The best bull award and the tractor prize went to Vijayathanga Pandi of Chatrapatti in Madurai, while the bull owned by Karthi of Madurai’s Chinapatti emerged as the runner-up.
Tamers, a bullfight it out at jallikattu in Avaniyapuram
Tamers, a bullfight it out at jallikattu in Avaniyapuram Photo | Express
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MADURAI: Bulls leashed through the avenue at Palamedu as the district’s second jallikattu event went on smoothly, barring a few minor injuries, on Wednesday.

Nearly 930 bulls were released on ‘Mattu Pongal’ day at the jallikattu site across 10 rounds. Parthiban of Natham in Dindigul bagged the first prize, a car, after taming 14 bulls, while one Thulasiram tamed 12 bulls to settle for the second spot and win a bike.

The best bull award and the tractor prize went to Vijayathanga Pandi of Chatrapatti in Madurai, while the bull owned by Karthi of Madurai’s Chinapatti emerged as the runner-up.

While the event got off to a great start, with the bulls being released through the Vadivasal around 8 am, fatigue set in and the bulls slowed down by 10.30 am. Later on, bulls were also released at a quick pace in order to wrap up the event on time.

Around 46 persons, including bull owners, tamers and spectators were injured during the event. While some bull owners argued with the police over the winning bulls and tamers, they were lathi-charged and moved away.  

Speaking to TNIE, K Karthi (28), a bull owner from Veeratipatti said, “My bull Vetha is four years old, has participated in over 25 jallikattu events, but remains untamed.”

S Manikandan (26), a bull owner from Kamudhi said, “My bull Maruthu is 8 years old. I am passionate about jallikattu and have spent over Rs 10,000 for feed and other items for my bull. My bull has participated in more than 30 events, and was caught only four times.”

Winner dedicates award to Avaniyapuram deceased

Parthiban, winner of the Palamedu jallikattu, said, “I am happy to have won the first prize, and I dedicate this win to Naveen, who died during the jallikattu event in Avaniyapuram. I thank my supporters and trainers, who provided extraordinary support for the training routine.”

Poster protest against Melur tungsten project

A few participants placed posters against the tungsten mining project with the message, ‘Save Arittapatti’ in Madurai.

The posters were placed in the gallery during the jallikattu event in Palamedu. Besides, several farmers expressed dissatisfaction over the tungsten mining project in Melur taluk of Madurai district and decorated kolams with the message, “ban tungsten project”.

Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister P Moorthy, Madurai District Collector M S Sangeetha, Madurai MP Su Venkatesan and other officials were present.

Stir over distribution of tokens for bulls

Ahead of the much-awaited Alanganallur jallikattu, scheduled to be held on Thursday, hundreds of bull owners from villages around Alanganallur staged a sit-in protest outside the Vadivasal late on Wednesday, alleging disparity over the distribution of tokens for the bulls. Sources said Valasai, Otha Veedu, Kuravan Kulam and Alanganallur host the annual Jallikattu event. However, villagers alleged that despite hosting the events, no preference has been given to local bulls in recent years. Meanwhile, officials began peace talks with the protesting villagers. It may be noted that Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate the Alanganallur jallikattu on Thursday. ens

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