Trichy's First Jallikattu of the Year: Grand Inauguration of Permanent Arena

The first Jallikattu of the year in Trichy took place with much fanfare. The event, linked to a temple festival, was held in a newly constructed permanent arena, thanks to government funding. Featuring 750 bulls and 500 tamers, the competition offers attractive prizes, marking a cultural celebration.

The year's first Jallikattu event unfolded in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, with grand festivities. Held at Periya Suryur, as part of the annual Sri Narkadal Kudi Karuppannasamy Temple festival, the competition marked an important cultural event during the Tamil month of Thai. The inauguration of a newly constructed permanent arena added to the celebration's excitement.

Previously conducted on temporary grounds, villagers had long sought a permanent facility, filing petitions to State Minister Anbil Mahesh. This resulted in Rs 3 crore being sanctioned by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Department for the arena's construction, approved by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Newly inaugurated, the arena boasts safety features, a vaadivaasal, and comfortable galleries for spectators.

This year's competition features 750 bulls and 500 tamers engaging in 10 rounds. The car, as the event's top prize, and a two-wheeler for the runner-up, highlight the stakes, while all participants receive traditional attire. With the ceremonial release of the temple bull and tamers' oath, District Collector Saravanan officially launched Trichy's Jallikattu season.

(With inputs from agencies.)