A ferocious bull attacks the tamers at the traditional bull taming festival, Jallikattu, at Alanganallur near Madurai on Tuesday. Photo: S. James
The Animal Husbandry officials had conducted tests on the bulls to rule out the use of performance-enhancing drugs prior to the Jallikattu festival. Photo: R. Ashok
Youths attempt to tame the bull that makes an entry into the Jallikattu ground. Photo: R. Ashok
The bull tamers wore an 'identifiable' garment during the participation. They were checked for medical fitness during the enrollment. Photo: R. Ashok
Twenty nine bull tamers and seven onlookers were reportedly injured in the Alanganallur 'Jallikattu'. Photo: R. Ashok
A total of 447 bulls and 475 tamers participated in the Tuesday’s event. According to Asra Garg, Superintendent of Police, Madurai Rural, the number of injuries was much less this year in comparison to the previous year. Photo: S. James
As per guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court the entire event was videographed. Photo: R. Ashok
Around 1,700 policemen were deployed as part of the security arrangement for the event. Photo: R. Ashok
Many foreigners make an annual trip to Alanganallur to watch the Jallikattu adventure. The tourism department has constructed a gallery exclusively for foreign tourists this time. Photo: R. Ashok
In a gladiatorial setting can politics be far behind? Madurai Collector U. Sagayam (second from left) orders a stop to the distribution of T-shirts with the Chief Minister's picture on it. . Photo: R. Ashok
A banner put up by the Alanganallur civic body says "these bulls are our Gods". Photo: R. Ashok