The bull taming sport also known as 'Manju Virattu' is organized in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. Bulls are specially bred by people of the village for the event and attended mainly by many villages' temple bulls (kovil kaalai).



The word 'Jallikattu' is derived from the Tamil words Jalli and Kattu, which mean silver or gold coins tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Bull baiting was common among the ancient tribes who lived in the 'Mullai' geographical division of the ancient Tamil country. Later, it became a platform for display of bravery and prize money was introduced for entertainment.

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There are three variants of Jallikattu Vati Manju Virattu, Veli Virattu and Vatam Manjuvirattu. In Vati Manju Virattu, the bull which is being released from an enclosure is held for some distance and time. The person who manages to hold the animal within the time span in the distance wins. In Veli Virattu, the bull is released on an open ground while people try to gain control over the animal. And in Vatam Manjuvirattu, the bull is tied to long rope while a team of players try to control the animal.

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Reportedly, from 2010 to 2014, there were approximately 1,100 injuries and 17 deaths because of Jallikattu events. Over 200 people have died from the sport over the past two decades. The calves that are reared to become bulls are fed a nutritious diet so that they develop into strong and sturdy animals. The calves, once they reach adolescence are taken to small events to familiarize them with the atmosphere and specific training is given based on the variant of the event it is meant for. 

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For the people who raise these bulls, the animals are said to be sacred to them. After 2009, it is claimed that before the bulls are released in gate (Vaadivaasal), they are subjected to medical tests including tests for alcohol and substance that will aggravate the bulls. These tests are said to be conducted by a team of government vets under the supervision of the district collector. The human participants in the Jallikattu event are said to undergo medical tests as well and are tested for alcohol. However, it has been argued that since Jallikattu was itself declared illegal, no test standards can be legally set.


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