Ahead of jallikattu, 9,700 bulls, 5,400 tamers vie for online registration

Madurai: Online registration for the Avaniyapuram, Palamedu and Alanganallur jallikattu to be held on consecutive days from Sunday in Madurai saw an overwhelming response from bull tamers and bull owners as it closed on Thursday evening. As many as 9,699 bulls and 5,399 bull tamers are vying for tokens to participate in the three key events.
However, only a limited number of qualified applicants would be issued tokens.The number of bulls is likely to be limited to 700-800 per event and a bull can take part in only one of the three. While the online registration, conducted through the official website of the district administration, eased the process of submitting applications this year, there were a few concerns from bull owners and tamers regarding fairness and inclusivity.
“Online registration is welcome for those who are comfortable using technology. However, many owners are farmers and bull tamers may be daily wage labourers. They may have difficulty in understanding the registration process and applying correctly with all documents. This poses a disadvantage to them,” said M Prem Kumar, Madurai district in-charge, Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Peravai.
Manikanda Prabhu of Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Training Centre said that not anyone should be able to participate as bull tamers in jallikattu. “Anyone can apply. But a sport like this is dangerous for a person without training. Experienced tamers must be given priority. Winners are celebrated but tamers suffering injury are affected for life,” he said.
Meanwhile, commercial taxes minister P Moorthy inspected arrangements at Avaniyapuram, Palamedu and Alanganallur on Friday. The events will start around 8 am and go on till 5 pm. Mayor V Indrani Ponvasanth took part in the ‘Kaalkol’ ceremony for Avaniyapuram jallikattu to be held on Sunday.