Preparations begin for Avaniyapuram jallikattu

Madurai: Preparations for Avaniyapuram jallikattu, scheduled for January 15, began on Thursday with commercial taxes minister P Moorthy laying the foundation stone (moorthakal) for it.Moorthy told reporters that transparency was important in organising jallikattu. "Only 3,000 participants will receive tokens, and the entire process is under camera surveillance to ensure fairness. There is no favouritism in bull selections, and priority is not restricted to local breeds alone," he stated.The minister also said that the govt is willing to establish a permanent vaadivasal (entry point for bulls), in the area if all committees involved in the jallikattu work agree. "Madurai is also set to host the balloon festival on January 18-19 as part of its cultural celebrations under the banner of "Maa Madurai," he added.The ceremony was held along Avaniyapuram-Thiruparankundram road in the presence of district collector M S Sangeetha, mayor Indirani Ponvasanth and corporation commissioner C Dinesh Kumar. The corporation has allocated ₹54.26 lakh for the event, focusing on safety fencing at the cattle inspection centre, stage construction, drinking water facilities, and road repairs. Work has commenced to ensure a smooth and secure event.In Palamedu, preparations are also in full swing for the jallikattu event to be held at the Manjamalai riverbed. Municipal officials, under the supervision of Palamedu town panchayat executive officer Sasikala and panchayat president Sumathi Pandiyarajan, are overseeing cleanup activities at the vaadivasal, bull-holding areas and spectator galleries. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, has been deployed to clear and prepare the grounds. Superintendent of police Arvind, along with other officials, inspected the venue to ensure security arrangements. The traditional vaadivaasal and spectator stands are being painted and readied for the event.