Jallikattu (or sallikkattu), also known as eru thazhuvuthal and manju virattu[2], is a traditional spectacle in which a Bos indicus bull, such as the Pulikulam[3] or Kangayam breeds,[4] is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns.[5][6] 
Jallikattu (ஜல்லிக்கட்டு)
Federation of India Animal Protection Agencies
A youth trying to take control of a bull in Jallikattu at Alanganallur.
Nicknames Eru thazhuvuthal, Manju virattu
First played 400–100 BC[1]
Characteristics
Mixed gender No
Type Traditional sport
Venue Open ground
Presence
Country or region Tamil Nadu, India
Olympic No
Paralympic No
Jallikattu is typically practised in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, which occurs annually in January.