Chennai, January 17: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, during his visit to the Jallikattu event at Alanganallur, Madurai, announced a special reward for the participant who tames the highest number of bulls in the traditional competition. The top tamer will be offered a government job in the Animal Husbandry Department.

In his address at the event, Stalin highlighted Madurai’s rich legacy of valor, noting, "Madurai is a land where courage has thrived. Under the Dravidian administration, we have established the Kalaignar Centenary Library and the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena in Madurai, a great achievement for our heritage."

Jallikattu, a centuries-old sport, is celebrated as part of the Mattu Pongal festivities on the third day of Pongal. The competition involves releasing a bull into a crowd of participants who try to tame the animal by holding its hump or running alongside it to retrieve coins tied to its horns. The Pulikulam and Kangayam breeds are typically used for the event, and the winning bulls are highly sought after, commanding high prices in the market.

To ensure the safety of both the bulls and participants, extensive preparations were made at the venue, including medical facilities, animal health checks, and robust security measures ahead of the event.