Tragedy at Jallikattu: Seven Dead, Scores Injured During 2025 Pongal Celebrations

The 2025 Jallikattu and Manjuvirattu events during Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu turned tragic, leaving seven people dead and hundreds injured. The traditional bull-taming events, held in districts like Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Sivaganga, and Pudukkottai, witnessed unfortunate incidents involving spectators, tamers, and bulls.

In Sivaganga district, a bull owner, Thaneesh Raja, and his bull drowned after the animal fell into a farm well. Raja jumped in to save the bull but tragically perished. Another spectator, Subbaiah, was gored by a bull and died en route to the hospital. In Alanganallur, Madurai, 55-year-old Periyasamy was fatally injured by a bull, with at least 70 others sustaining injuries in the same event.

Karur district also reported fatalities, where a 60-year-old spectator, Kulanthaivelu, was gored during the RT Malai Jallikattu. Meanwhile, in Pudukkottai’s Mahadeva Patti, a 70-year-old man named Perumal was killed during a high-stakes event involving 607 bulls and 300 tamers. The district saw 19 more injuries in the Vanniyan Viduthi Jallikattu. Additional deaths occurred during bull-racing events in Krishnagiri and Salem districts.

In total, two bulls also lost their lives during these events, highlighting the risks to both humans and animals in this ancient sport. Despite the excitement and cultural significance, these incidents underscore the need for stricter safety measures and adherence to guidelines to protect participants, spectators, and bulls alike.

While Jallikattu symbolizes Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and bravery, these tragedies cast a shadow over the festivities, sparking calls for improved regulation and safety in future events.