12 Feb. 2017
Karthi, Tamil Nadu (India)

Indian media reports one spectator killed and 89 injured in ancient traditional bull hump holding event.

‘Jallikattu’ is known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BC). It was common among the ancient people Aayars who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country. Later, it became a platform for display of bravery and prize money was introduced for participation encouragement. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicting the practice is preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi. A cave painting in white kaolin discovered near Madurai depicting a lone man trying to control a bull is estimated to be about 2,500 years old.

According to the hospital sources the victim, a farmer died of severe internal bleeding. The event was organised on a five-acre dry bed of a tank near Sri Mariamman temple in the village.’jallikattu’ held at Tirunallur near Viralimalai on Saturday. A large number of spectators from several neighbouring villages witnessed the event, one of the biggest in the region.

At least 25 spectators suffered rib fractures and scalp injuries, said V.C. Subash Gandhi, a Surveillance Medical Officer.

Around 1,000 bulls were registered, however, 600 were released till 3 p.m. when Officials brought the event to an end as the crowd of spectators kept swelling and it threatened to go out of control.

According to ‘The Hindu’, inspie of appeal by local security officials and the organisers to Spectators not to assemble on the pathway of the bulls, fell on deaf ears. Police had to use mild force at times to keep the unruly spectators away.