42 injured, best man and bull rewarded with a car each: Palamedu Jallikattu

MADURAI: About 42 people, including 14 tamers and 16 spectators were injured in the second major event of the Pongal 2024 Jallikattu season held at Palamedu here on Tuesday.

The best tamer who embraced 14 bulls and the owner of the best bull that stubbornly refused to be subdued were each presented with the coveted Chief Minister’s car as a prize.

Frenzied spectators cheered loudly whenever the dauntless tamers embraced the bulls’ hump and held on as the bulls ran in the arena. They were equally exhilarated when the bulls pounced at the Vaadivaasal (entry point where the bulls are let out into the arena), ferociously shook the sharp horns, and darted without allowing anyone to approach.

Atleast half-a-dozen young tamers were tossed by the raging bulls when they missed the hump and clasped the bull’s neck instead. Twelve bull owners too were among the 42 injured during the bull embracing (Eru Thazhuvuthal) event at Palamedu which annually hosts the Jallikattu during the Pongal (harvest)festival.

Avaniyapuram, in the district, set the tone and tenour of the Jallikattu when it hosted the event on Monday. Alanganallur is all set for the grand finale on Wednesday.

P Prabhakaran of Madurai was adjudged the best tamer as he “subdued” 14 bulls and he was awarded the Chief Minister’s car as first prize in recognition of his valour.