Chennai, Jan 14 (NationPress) The globally esteemed Avaniyapuram Jallikattu in the Madurai district kicked off on Tuesday as part of Tamil Nadu's Pongal celebrations.

A total of 1,100 bulls and 900 tamers have signed up for this event.

An impressive tractor valued at Rs 11 lakh is set to be awarded to the owner of the best-performing bull, while a car worth Rs 8 lakh will go to the leading player. Participants were mandated to register online to compete in this traditional sport, after which the bulls were brought to Avaniyapuram by their owners.

Each of the 1,100 bulls underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation and received certification of fitness prior to entering the arena.

In a similar manner, the participants in this bull-taming sport also completed medical assessments. To ensure the event runs smoothly, security has been bolstered with the presence of 1,500 police personnel.

As of now, 11 individuals have been reported injured during the festivities. Jallikattu, a time-honored bull-taming sport, is a beloved custom in Tamil Nadu, particularly during Pongal celebrations.

The inaugural Jallikattu event of the year in Tamil Nadu was conducted at Thachankurichi village in the Pudukottai district on Saturday. Nevertheless, the Jallikattu events in Madurai, especially those in Alanganallur, are recognized globally for their vibrant expression of Tamil heritage, culture, and rural bravery.

Pudukottai district stands out for having the most vadivasals (entry points for bulls) and for hosting the largest number of Jallikattu events in the state. From January to May 31, the district typically sees over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and upwards of 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) competitions.

The remaining two of the three principal Jallikattu events in Madurai district are scheduled for Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and 16, respectively.

The Madurai district administration has released specific guidelines for the 2025 Jallikattu events.

According to these directives, each bull is permitted to take part in only one of the three Jallikattu competitions in the district; only the bull's owner can accompany it along with a trainer familiar with the animal.

Bull tamers and bull owners must register through the official district administration website (madurai.nic.in). The submitted documents will be verified by the authorities. Only eligible participants will receive a downloadable token, which is essential for entry. Without this token, neither the bull nor its tamer will be allowed to participate in the event.