Jallikattu, Tamil Nadu’s traditional bull fight, was held under strict supervision in Palamedu village on Wednesday after the Supreme Court vacated the interim stay on the event on a modification petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Government. Reports reaching here said the event passed off peacefully, much to the relief and delight of local villagers for whom it was a matter of faith and centuries-old tradition.

The event, which has of late attracted a lot of foreign tourists, is organised to coincide with the harvest festival of Pongal. Similar events are expected in Alanganallur and other villages in Madurai and other southern districts in the next few days.

Following orders

Madurai district collector S S Jawahar and superintendent of police P Anbhu were present at the venue as per the conditions laid by the Supreme Court on Tuesday while granting permission to conduct the event, three days after it banned the game. Officials of the Animal Welfare Board, were also present as nearly 250 men tried to tame 500 bulls let loose from the pen on to open area with the spectators barricaded to prevent accidental injuries. 

The bulls were tested by veterinary surgeons prior to the event. Participants also underwent medical test to check whether they were intoxicated. They were also frisked to ensure that they did not carry any sharp weapons. The 500 bulls, specially reared for the event, were brought from Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivagangai, Virdhunagar and Ramanathapuram. Each bull and participant was given a token.

Such restrictions were put in place last year also on the basis of an order by the Madras High Court which had initially banned the event. On an appeal from the animal welfare board against the high court order allowing the event under supervision, the apex court in July last year had granted an interim injunction.