Avaniyapuram Jallikattu 2025 Begins

Event Overview

Date and Location: January 14, 2025, at Avaniyapuram village, near the Sri Bathrakaliamman Temple.

Participants: Approximately 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers registered for the event.

Prizes: The best bull is awarded a tractor valued at ₹11 lakh, while the top bull-tamer receives a car worth ₹8 lakh.

Preparations and Arrangements

Traffic Management: To accommodate the influx of spectators, the Madurai city police implemented traffic diversions, restricting vehicle entry to Avaniyapuram via Periyar Statue Junction.

Infrastructure Enhancements: The city corporation allocated ₹43 lakh for event preparations, including the installation of barricades, temporary tanks, mobile toilets, and a special medical facility near the venue.

Safety Measures

Entry Protocols: Bull owners and handlers with valid tokens are permitted entry starting at 5 a.m. Each must present their Aadhaar card for QR code scanning by police and animal husbandry officials. Bulls enter the arena in groups based on their token numbers, with designated time slots throughout the day.

Medical Facilities: A special medical facility has been set up near the venue to treat minor injuries, with referrals to the Government Rajaji Hospital for more serious cases.

Cultural Significance

Jallikattu, an ancient Tamil sport, has deep cultural roots, dating back to the Sangam period. The village of Alanganallur is particularly well-known for its role in this tradition.

Summary of the news