The Aryavarth Express
Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu): With Jallikattu festival celebrations approaching, bull owners in Sengurichi village of Tiruchirappalli district have intensified training sessions for their bulls, preparing them for the traditional sport.
Bull owners say the animals follow a rigorous daily routine designed to build strength, agility, and endurance. The training includes long walks, swimming exercises, practice on sand, and sessions in ploughed fields and temporary arenas.
Rajiv, a local bull owner, said his family has been rearing Jallikattu bulls for over 15 years and currently maintains more than ten animals. “We raise Jallikattu bulls like members of our family. Every morning, we follow a strict training schedule that includes walking, swimming, sand practice, and training in ploughed fields and makeshift arenas,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by bull owners, Rajiv urged the government to provide greater support. He demanded a monthly allowance for the maintenance of Jallikattu bulls and suggested government jobs for winning bull tamers to improve their livelihoods. “Such measures would encourage participants and help sustain this tradition,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jallikattu celebrations have already begun in several parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as in neighbouring southern states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. However, the sport has also seen incidents of injuries. Last week, at least five people were injured during a Jallikattu event held as part of Sankranti celebrations in Kotha Shanambatla village of Chandragiri Mandal in Tirupati district.
Jallikattu, also known as Sallikkattu, is a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu celebrated on the third day of Pongal, known as Mattu Pongal. The term is derived from two Tamil words—jalli (silver or gold coins) and kattu (to tie). In the event, a bull is released into a crowd, and participants attempt to tame it to win the coins tied to its horns.
Participants typically try to hold onto the bull’s hump or run alongside the animal. Pulikulam and Kangayam are the indigenous bull breeds commonly used for the sport. Bulls that perform well in Jallikattu are highly valued and often command premium prices in the market.
