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Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that is played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. The event takes place annually from January to July, with the first Jallikattu held in Palamedu near Madurai on January 15, followed by the world-famous “Alanganallur-Jallikattu” in Alanganallur, near Madurai, on January 16. The sport involves a specific breed of cattle bred for this purpose known as Jellicut, which comes from a big breeder in Pulikulam.
Jallikattu is a Tamil tradition that was popular among Tamil warriors during the classical period. According to legend, in old times, women used this game to choose husbands, and successful “matadors” were chosen as grooms. The term Jallikaṭṭu comes from the term Calli Kācu (coins) and kaṭṭu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Later, during the colonial period, this evolved to Jallikattu, which is the term currently used. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the sport is preserved in the Delhi museum.
There are three versions of Jallikattu: vaṭi manju viraṭṭu, vēli viraṭṭu, and vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu. The first version takes place mostly in the districts of Madurai, Trichy, Pudukkottai, Dindigul, Theni, Thanjavur, and Salem. In this version, the bull is released from an enclosure with an opening, and one person clings to the hump of the bull. The bull, in its attempt to shake him off, will bolt, but some will hook the guy with their horns and throw him off. The person has to hold on to the running bull for a predetermined distance to win the prize. Only one person is supposed to attempt catching the bull.
The second version is more popular in the districts of Sivagangai and Madurai, and the bull is released in an open ground. This version is the most natural as the bulls are not restricted in any way. The bulls once released just run away from the field in any direction that they prefer.
In the third version of Jallikattu, the bull is tied to a 50-foot-long rope (15 m) and is free to move within this space. A team of 7 or 9 members must attempt to subdue the bull within 30 minutes. This version is very safe for spectators as the bull is tied, and the spectators are shielded by barricades.
Jallikattu is one of the oldest traditional sports in India, and it is a must-see event for adventure-loving spectators.
Date: January
Location: Madurai
State: TamilNadu
