MADURAI: The countdown has begun for the much-awaited Jallikattu contests in Madurai, as 5,347 tamers get ready to face 12,632 bulls. The event, which will take place from January 14 to 16, is one of the most anticipated during the Pongal celebrations. The contests will be hosted in three locations: Avaniyapuram on January 14, Palamedu on January 15, and Alanganallur on January 16.
The registration process for the bulls and tamers has just concluded, with bulls having the highest registration at Alanganallur, where 5,786 bulls have been signed up. Palamedu follows with 4,820 bulls, while Avaniyapuram has 2,026 bulls registered for the event. However, Palamedu has attracted the most interest from tamers, with 1,914 tamers registering for the contest there. Alanganallur and Avaniyapuram follow with 1,698 and 1,735 tamers respectively.
As the festival nears, excitement is building among the participants. N Vinoth, also known as 'Police' Vinoth from Veerapandi, Madurai, has six bulls registered for the contests at both Palamedu and Alanganallur. He will also compete as a tamer at Alanganallur. Vinoth, who had difficulty securing a participation token last year despite registering online, is eager to see how bulls and tamers are selected for the competition.
Jallikattu, an ancient Tamil sport, has deep cultural roots, dating back to the Sangam period. The village of Alanganallur is particularly well-known for its role in this tradition. Local resident S Kittu, a retired tamer, recalls his experience with the sport. He points to a scar on his torso from a bull attack during a 2000 tournament, remembering how close he came to death. Today, he stands near the vaadivasal (the entrance through which the bulls charge), where in less than ten days, young men will engage with the bulls in the heart-pounding competition.
The Jallikattu events draw not only locals but also international visitors. During the Pongal season, Alanganallur and nearby Palamedu see tourists from across the globe. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department sponsors the event at Alanganallur and has set up a permanent gallery for foreign visitors. District Tourism Officer SM Sri Balamurugan mentions that every year, they welcome around 200 visitors from countries like Spain, Germany, Israel, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. He adds that inquiries for this year's event are already pouring in.
As the event draws closer, the excitement is palpable, with both participants and spectators eagerly awaiting the thrill of the Jallikattu contests.