On the last day of Pongal festivities on Thursday, at least six people, including five spectators, were killed during jallikattu and manjuvirattu events held across Tamil Nadu. Several hundreds of people suffered injuries and two bulls also died in the various bull-taming competitions in the state.
In Madurai’s Alanganallur, a 55-year-old spectator succumbed to injuries after being attacked by a bull. Sivaganga witnessed multiple fatalities during a manjuvirattu event at Siravayal, where a spectator, a bull owner, and a bull lost their lives.
In Karur, a 66-year-old spectator died after suffering a chest injury in a bull attack. Another individual, identified as Manivel, was fatally gored while walking on the road. In Pudukottai, a septuagenarian was attacked and killed by a bull after it was released from the vadivasal during the jallikattu event.
Alanganallur Jallikattu
On Kaanum Pongal Day (January 16), the prestigious Alanganallur jallikattu in Madurai saw 500 tamers taking on 989 bulls. The event, flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at 8 AM and concluded at 6:15 PM over nine intense rounds.
Ferocious bulls released from the vadivasal charged at the tamers, forcing some to retreat or climb fencing poles for safety. More than 70 people, including spectators, sustained injuries during the event.
Bulls owned by prominent figures such as former Sri Lankan Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaiman, actor Soori, and Jallikattu Peravai President P.R. Rajasekar were among the highlights.
Abichithar of Poovandhi emerged as the top tamer subduing 20 bulls. He bagged a car and a native breed cow as the first prize. Salem’s Bahubali bull was crowned the best bull. It earned its owner a tractor and a native breed cow. Senthil Thondaiman’s bull secured fourth place in the competition.
Tourism officials reported that nearly 100 foreign tourists were brought to Alanganallur to witness the spectacle as part of the Pongal celebrations. A special gallery was set up to provide them with a ringside view of the event, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage on an international stage.
