Minister Moorthy Launches Alanganallur Jallikattu

Chennai, March 16 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister Moorthy officially launched the eagerly awaited Alanganallur Jallikattu in Vadipatti, Madurai this past Sunday.

This year's event features 1,000 bulls and 650 participants from the Madurai Melur constituency. Winners will receive prizes such as cycles, mixies, silver coins, and other exciting rewards.

To guarantee a safe and well-organized event, more than 100 police personnel have been assigned for security purposes. Veterinary doctors are thoroughly inspecting the bulls before granting approvals, while medical teams are prepared to offer assistance as needed.

Several notable figures, including District Collector Sangita, MP Su Venkatesan, and Melur Revenue Divisional Officer Sangita, are present at the event.

This occasion is part of the celebrations for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin's 72nd birthday.

Minister Moorthy, who is managing various welfare initiatives benefiting over 14,000 individuals, remarked: "A variety of programmes have been organized since March 1 to commemorate the Chief Minister's birthday, and Jallikattu is a significant highlight of these festivities."

The festival has attracted a large audience, including DMK party members, district secretaries, local government officials, and passionate Jallikattu fans.

Special seating has been arranged for the public to view the event free of charge, and dedicated bus services have been set up from Madurai to the Jallikattu venue for attendees.

Jallikattu, an age-old bull-taming sport, holds immense cultural significance in Tamil Nadu, particularly during the Pongal festival.

The first Jallikattu of the year took place on January 14 at Thachankurichi village in Pudukottai district as part of the Pongal celebrations.

However, the Jallikattu events in Madurai, especially those in Alanganallur, are famous worldwide for their vibrant display of Tamil culture, heritage, and rural bravery.

Pudukottai district is recognized for hosting the highest number of Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu, with over 120 Jallikattu events and more than 30 bullock cart races occurring annually between January and May. More than 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) competitions are conducted each year in these regions.

The Madurai district administration has established specific guidelines for the upcoming 2025 Jallikattu competitions: According to these guidelines, each bull can participate in only one of the three Jallikattu events in the district. Only the bull's owner and one trainer familiar with the animal are permitted to accompany it. Bull tamers and owners must register via the official district administration website (madurai.nic.in).

All submitted documents will undergo verification. Only eligible participants will receive a downloadable token, which is essential for entry. Without this token, neither the bull nor the tamer will be permitted to participate.

The event continues to celebrate Tamil Nadu's longstanding traditions, drawing thousands of spectators and reinforcing the region's rich cultural identity.