Photos: Jallikattu returns to Madurai, bull gores spectator and injures 11

Jallikattu, Tamil Nadu's bull-taming sport returned to Madurai district after a hiatus of three years with tamers trying their best to latch on to bulls released in enclosures, vying for elaborate prizes as part of Pongal celebrations. Despite heightened security, one spectator was gored to death and several participants injured.

Updated on: Jan 16, 2018 10:24 AM IST

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A participant tries to hang on to a bull during the Palamedu Jallikattu near Madurai. Bull-taming events are held for nearly six months every year, kicking off at Pongal in Tamil Nadu. As per the rules, a tamer is awarded a prize if he hangs on to the hump of the animal for a certain period of time. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

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Spectator stands are erected in preparation for the Jallikattu event. Six-member Animal Welfare Board of India teams visited various Jallikattu venues to ensure that the bulls were not ill-treated. The practice of weeding out unfit participants from the contests has been welcomed by organizers and spectators descending on Aviniapuram, Palamedu and Alanganallur – the three main Jallikattu venues in the state. (Moses Abishek / HT Photo)

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SR Ramar, a 50-year-old farmer with his prized bull which will take part in the Jallikattu event in Aviniapuram. He says the 23-year-old animal – lovingly referred to as Arulu – has won over 200 prizes in competitions through the years. “Why, even the cot I sleep on was won by my Arulu!” Ramar exclaimed. (Moses Abishek / HT Photo)

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Participants try to reign in a bull during a Jallikattu event in Palamedu. Despite heightened arrangements, some spectators came in the way of a running bull near the collection point, nearly half a kilometre from the playing area, resulting in injuries. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

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The Madurai district administration has made elaborate security arrangements at Avaniapuram where 625 bulls and an equal number of tamers participated in the event. Both were subjected to fitness tests before competing. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

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On Monday, as against the 1,000 bulls that were given tokens, only 458 could be released owing to paucity of time. The event began at 8:30 am and was declared closed by 3:15 pm. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

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Medical staff treat an injured participant during the annual bull taming event. Tragedy struck Jallikattu celebrations nearby Palamedu on Monday, after a bull gored a spectator to death and injured 11 people. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

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Interest in the sport has increased manifold, due to last year’s statewide agitations for revival. Allanganallur – the Mecca of Jallikattu celebrations – witnessed a police lathi-charge on Friday, after huge crowds tried to break into the player registration office. (R. Parthibhan / AP)

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A villager is pinned down by a bull as another attempts to control him during a Jallikattu event, on the outskirts of Madurai. The Allanganallur Jallikattu committee has received Rs 10 lakh in donations, with Palamedu also pitching in. Local sponsors offer prizes ranging from gold coins to consumer durables and vehicles. (Abhishek N. Chinnappa / REUTERS)