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The jallikattu event at Avaniapuram in Madurai, the first major event of the jallikattu season in the district, happened peacefully here on Tuesday, the day of Pongal.

While around 40 persons sustained minor injuries, officials said that only eight had to be referred to Government Rajaji Hospital while others just needed first aid. The eight persons included five who accompanied the bulls, two tamers and one spectator. Their injuries were not grievous, officials added.

A total of 476 bulls entered the jallikattu arena in Avaniapuram while 550 tamers took part in the event. This is against the total of 533 registered bulls that were brought to the venue in the morning, of which the team of personnel from Animal Husbandry department rejected 21 for not being fit.

Of the 512 qualified bulls, 476 managed to enter the arena within the permitted time of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Similarly, 552 tamers turned up at the event of which two were rejected for being unfit. The remaining 550 players were allowed in eight batches, with each batch getting roughly one hour in the arena.

S. Tirunavukkarasu from Muthalaipatti village, who managed to control nine bulls, was adjudged the best bull tamer. The bull of Pandi from Kancharankulam was chosen the best bull.

The event in Avaniapuram was organised by a committee appointed by Madurai Bench of Madras High Court following litigation due to conflicts within the organising committee in the area that usually conducted the event.

Owing to uncertainty over the conduct of the event till last week, the prizes distributed were not as attractive as it used to be, many bull owners and tamers felt.

The other major jallikattu events in the district in Palamedu and Alanganallur are scheduled respectively for Wednesday and Thursday.

English Summary

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