Chennai, 16 January (H.S.) : Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday officially flagged off the annual Palamedu Jallikattu event in Madurai. The inauguration of this prestigious bull-taming competition, which coincides with the Mattu Pongal celebrations, was attended by actor Soori and other prominent officials.

This traditional event attracted massive crowds of enthusiasts and spectators who gathered to witness the courageous display of bull-tamers. The Palamedu competition is considered one of the most significant Jallikattu events in the state, celebrated with great fervor as part of the harvest festival to honor the vital role of cattle in agriculture and rural life.

The government has prioritized safety and infrastructure for this year’s festivities. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Minister, a permanent Jallikattu arena was recently constructed at a cost of 3 crore rupees. This new facility features modern safety arrangements, including a proper vaadivaasal, sturdy barricades, and a spacious gallery to accommodate spectators comfortably.

For the ongoing competitions, approximately 750 bulls and 500 trained tamers have registered to participate in multiple rounds. Grand prizes, including a car for the winner and a two-wheeler for the runner-up, have been announced to encourage the participants in this traditional sport.

The version of authority provided by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Department emphasized the commitment to preserving cultural heritage while ensuring modern safety standards. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that the sanctioning of funds for permanent arenas reflects the government's support for traditional sports.

He noted that the festivities are being conducted smoothly across the state, with adequate medical teams and veterinary experts on standby to monitor the health of both the tamers and the animals. All participants are also being honored with traditional gifts such as sarees and veshtis as a token of appreciation for their involvement in the cultural festival.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary