Madurai: On Thursday, the world famous Alanganallur Jallikattu was held with fervour and fanfare at Vadipatti in the district, bringing the curtains down on the four-day Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu.
The bull taming sport was held at Avaniyapuram in Madurai South on Tuesday and at Palamedu in Vadipatti on Wednesday. A total of 1,400 bulls and 848 bull-tamers from across the State had registered for the Alanganallur event, which was flagged off by Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar.
District Collector S Natarajan administered the Jallikattu oath to the bull tamers to ensure that no harm was caused to the bulls. A festive mood prevailed in Alanganallur town as youths tamed the bull by grabbing the large hump on its back with both the arms and hung on to it, even as the bull tried to escape.
Two cars, sponsored by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamiand Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam respectively, would be given as the top prize for the best bull-tamer and the owner ofthe best bull.
Among other prizes to be given to the bull tamers included two-wheelers, gold coins, bicycles, consumer and household items.