The Hindu : 5 critically injured in Alanganallur `jallikattu'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 18, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

5 critically injured in Alanganallur `jallikattu'

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI JAN. 17. As many as 260 people were injured today in the annual `Jallikattu' held at the Alanganallur village, about 18 km from here, as part of `Pongal' celebrations. Five of the 19 admitted to the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital, are critical.

Thousands of villagers, in a macho display of daredevilry, tried to wrest control of nearly 400 bulls brought from far-flung villages of Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Tiruchi, and Pudukottai districts. Unlike as in the traditional `jallikattu', which requires the bull to be brought under control by its horns, in recent years, holding on to the running animal up to a minimum distance is considered as having "controlled" it and gets the fighter the prize money tied to the gleaming horns.

The bulls, decorated with bells, beads, turmeric, vermilion and other colourful powders, were released one after the other into a packed arena, where villagers vied with each other hold on to their hump as they ran through the crowd.

Prizes include utensils, electronic items, jewellery, cycles, textiles and cash, which are sponsored by bull owners and a number of popular MNCs.

Thousands of visitors watched the show from special makeshift wooden galleries and VIP booths constructed around the arena.

Several foreign tourists too attended the show.

Tight security was in place with khaki-clad men intervening whenever a brawl broke out among drunken bullfighters.

Our Dindigul Staff Reporter reports:

About 120 persons were injured, 50 grievously, in a `Jallikattu' at Iyyampalayam.

More than 3,000 people from Madurai, Theni and Karur took part.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

'BJP ties with DMK good'

'States must chip in for sports development'

All set for exclusive women commando force

5 critically injured in Alanganallur `jallikattu'

Marginal decline in IMR

No meeting with Azhagiri

Attractive VRS coming for busmen

CM to inaugurate Veeranam project works on Feb. 2

Expedite appointment of HC judges: DK

LPG tanker operators call off strike

Silent suffering is the Dalit lot at Chinnakannanur

Cauvery water yet to reach Mettur

Panel to give shape to 'knowledge society' concept