Jallikattu begins in Tamil Nadu; over 900 bulls, 1200 tamers to take part

Tamil Nadu's Avaniapuram is getting ready to witness one of the biggest Jallikattu in its history with over 900 bulls taking part in the event.

File photo

Chennai: After several court battles between animal lovers and Jallikattu organisers, the traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu began on Sunday in Madurai district's Avaniyapuram. 

At least 950 bulls will take part in the event. Along with bulls, 1200 bull tamers also underwent medical tests in the presence of Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister OP Vaidayakumar. 

Tamil Nadu: Madurai readies for traditional bull-taming sport #Jallikattu; Bull tamers undergo medical tests (04.02.2017). pic.twitter.com/C7xPlcm2wA — ANI (@ANI_news) February 5, 2017

Madurai (TN): Bull-taming sport #Jallikattu underway in Avaniapuram; 1200 tamers and 950 bulls participating. pic.twitter.com/mO6IJzbik7 — ANI (@ANI_news) February 5, 2017

In order to prevent any untoward incident, at least 15 medical teams and 500 policemen have been deployed on duty. Twenty ambulances are also present on the spot.

Jallikattu, usually held during the harvest festival of Pongal in mid-January, could not be organised in the past three years in view of a Supreme Court ban on the sport after complaints of cruelty to animals.