Thrilling Start to Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu Season at Thatchankurichi

Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu season began with great fervor on Saturday at Thatchankurichi in Pudukkottai district. Organized as part of the St. Vinnorpa Annai church festival, the event showcased 460 bulls and 290 bull tamers. The arena buzzed with excitement as 4,500 spectators cheered on the action that began at 8 a.m., inaugurated by Ministers S. Ragupathy and Siva V. Meyyanathan.

Of the 463 registered bulls from Pudukkottai, Trichy, Tanjavur, Dindigul, Madurai, and other districts, 459 were allowed to participate. Out of 1,293 registered tamers, 290 met the eligibility criteria. The vaadivasal witnessed intense moments, with bulls charging out, and tamers displaying exceptional skill. However, the event saw 20 injuries, including 10 bull owners, six tamers, and four spectators. Most injuries were minor and treated on-site, while nine individuals with severe injuries were sent to advanced medical facilities.

A collision near the vaadivasal resulted in a bull from Saveriarpatti being injured and rushed to Orathanadu Government Veterinary Hospital. Tensions flared briefly when unauthorized individuals attempted to access the VIP area, but police quickly restored order.

The best performers of the event were celebrated, with Muthusamy’s bull earning the "Best Bull" title and Sridharan named "Best Bull Tamer." Both received motorbikes as prizes. The event, organized by the Don Bosco Youth Club of Thatchankurichi, was closely monitored by over 300 police personnel along with health, revenue, and fire department officials. The festivities concluded successfully at 4 p.m., marking a vibrant start to the Jallikattu season.