A bull runs towards a crowd of Indian bull-fighters during a bull-taming festival popularly known as 'Jallikattu' in the village of Alanganallur, 500 kms south west of Chennai.
Jallikattu or, the Old Tamil phrase Eruthazhuvuthal or manju viraṭṭu or Ayar Vilaiyatu), is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day.
Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull cuddling/holding, is a Tamil tradition called 'Yeru thazhuvuthal' in Sangam literature(meaning, to embrace bulls), popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. Bull fighting was has been common among the ancient who lived in the ‘Mullai Land’(Ayar People(Idayar or Konar or yadav ), the Jalli kattu was born in Mullai Land) geographical division of Tamil Nadu Later, it became a sport conducted for entertainment and was called ‘Yeruthu Kattu’ in which a fast running bull was corralled with ropes around its neck. In the Naik era, prize money was introduced and the sport became a display of bravery. The term Jallikattu was coined in this era. ‘Jalli’ referred to the silver or gold coins tied to the bulls’ horns. – R. Sundaravandhiya Thevan, Author of Piramalai Kallar Vazhvum Varalarum.. According to legend, in olden days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful "matadors" were chosen as grooms.
