Shanmugam (40), a spectator, was gored to death at the ‘bull race festival’ (Eruthu Vidum Vizha) held in a village near here as part of Pongal celebrations on Monday.
This festival, also banned, is traditionally observed in several villages of northern Tamil Nadu.
It is similar to jallikattu (bull taming) in the south, though there is no attempt to tame the animal.
Decorated bulls are allowed to run through a street in the village.
Despite the ban, several villages in the northern parts of the State conducted it.
Vellakkuttai, 75 km from the district headquarters, organised the race on Sunday and Monday.
