Bull tamers took on angry bulls in a traditional sport event in South India on Friday 14 January.

The dangerous and arguably cruel spectacle happened in Avaniapuram in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu state. The municipality is famous for its bull taming events.

The Jallikattu is a Tamil sport practiced from the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE). It is seen as a way for young men to display their bravery.

It was the first Jallikattu event of the year, after nearly a year of pandemic restrictions.

The bulls were let out of the Vaadi Vaasal (small entrance), to the whistles and applause of the spectators. Despite the best efforts of the young men trying to control them, many of the bulls were able to escape their clutches.

Three hundred bull tamers and 700 bulls are believed to have participated in this event. Each contest involved 20 men.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, Tamil Nadu's government has made new rules on how such events can be held. Bull owners must produce a negative PCR test result within the last 48 hours and a vaccination certificate.

Spectator numbers were also restricted to 50% of capacity.

Location: Avaniyapuram, Madurai District of South India.

Date: 14:01:2022

The Jallikattu is a Tamil sport practiced from the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and the game has currently transformed into a platform for young men to display their bravery.

The bulls and bulls tamers were all geared to put up a show of strength to remain an undefeated hero in their districts on Thursday, For the first Jallikattu (Bull taming sport) event of the year. This comes from the world-famous Avaniyapuram of Madurai district

All the spectators too gathered in Avaniyapuram to witness the feat after nearly a year despite COVID-19 restrictions.

The bulls were let out of the Vaadi Vaasal (Small Entrance) to the whistles and applause of the spectators. The enthusiasm and euphoria soared high in the air as the bulls were released, the tamers barged into the bull to show their control. Yet many bulls searingly faced all the men and made their way undefeated.

300 Bull tamers and 700 bulls participated in this event. In every batch only 20 men were allowed to be on the ground.

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases, Tamil Nadu government also issued a SOP to keep a check on the Bull taming events and to curb the spread.

As per the SOP, the state government made it mandatory for bull owners to produce a negative RT-PCR test report taken at least 48 hours before the event and a fully vaccinated certificate.

The Tamil Nadu government also restricted the spectators to 150 members or 50% of seating capacity.