Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming sport began in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district with strict Covid protocols. Covid vaccination or negative test report is mandatory to attend the event.
Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming sport began in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal festival. The first bull taming event of the year was held in Pudukottai district with strict Covid protocols.
Jallikattu is conducted as part of Mattu Pongal, the third day of the four-day-long harvest festival. The Tamil word ‘mattu’ means bull, and the third day of Pongal is dedicated to cattle, a key partner in the process of farming.
A total of 300 bull tamers and 600 bulls were registered on Thursday. The organisers allotted a time frame to each tamer. The winner is decided based on the duration a tamer holds on the hump of the bull.
According to new guidelines, no more than 150 spectators are allowed and occupancy is capped at 50 per cent in venues. A negative Covid report or Covid vaccination is also mandatory to watch Jallikattu events.