Around 700 bulls and 300 tamers were permitted to take part in a traditional bull-taming event in Madurai, India, on 15 January, after a long pandemic hiatus.

The harvest festival 'Palamedu' event was given the go-ahead but with strict medical protocols.

The tamers and bulls were selected randomly to compete in the event, which had a total of 10 one-hour rounds.

At least 36 people were injured in the event.

In a bid to ensure compliance with Covid protocols and other rules, as many as 1,000 police were deployed.

Despite this, most spectators were seen without masks and there was no physical distancing.

This footage was filmed and produced 15 January 2022.

Around 700 bulls and 300 tamers have been permitted to take part in the Palamedu event after proper scrutiny and medical tests in Madurai, India. The tamers and bulls were selected through randomization and were issued a slip containing a QR code. A total of 10 rounds took place, with each round lasting for one hour.

In a bid to ensure compliance to stand operating procedures of Covid-19 and prevent untoward incidents, as many as 1,000 police personnel have been deployed at various points. At least 36 people were injured in the event. Most spectators were seen without masks, and there was no physical distancing, despite the officials asking them to adhere to the COVID-19 precautionary protocols.