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Seven Deaths Reported During Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu
Seven people lost their lives in Tamil Nadu on Thursday during Jallikattu competitions held to celebrate Pongal. Tamil Nadu Police reported that over 400 people were injured in the events. Among the deceased, six were spectators, while one was a participant. Additionally, two bulls died in incidents reported from the Sivaganga and Pudukkottai districts.
The events were held on Kannam Pongal day, which traditionally witnesses the largest number of Jallikattu competitions. According to police, 156 injuries were recorded across Pudukkottai, Karur, and Trichy districts. These included 17 bull owners and 33 spectators. In Sivaganga, a participant succumbed to injuries sustained during the competition, while in Madurai, a spectator injured by a bull later died in the hospital. Five other fatalities were reported from different districts.
This year’s first Jallikattu competition was organized in the Gandaravakottai area of Pudukkottai. The rising death toll and injuries have reignited debates on safety measures surrounding the sport.
What is Jallikattu?
Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport played during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. It has a history spanning over 2,000 years. The name “Jallikattu” is derived from the Tamil words salli kasu (coins) and kattu (a collection or bundle), referring to the bag of coins tied to the bull’s horns. The objective is for participants to chase the bull and retrieve the bag.
The sport is traditionally played with a special breed of bulls known as Jallikattu bulls. Participants are rewarded with money and prizes for their efforts.
Despite its cultural significance, Jallikattu is considered one of the most dangerous sports in India. Over the years, it has led to numerous casualties and injuries. Between 2010 and 2014 alone, 1,100 people were seriously injured, and 17 lost their lives. In the past two decades, the death toll has exceeded 200, sparking ongoing debates about safety and animal welfare.
