Overview Of Jallikattu

Game Rules

• The Bull will be released on the the arena through the entry gate called ‘ Vadivasal’.
  
• The bull tamer / contestant should try to ‘catch’ the bull by holding onto its hump only.
  
• The bull-tamer should hold onto the bull till it crosses the ‘finish’ line. (Usually it is about 50 feet, marked by hanging overhead marker flags along the line.)
  
• If the bull throws the tamer off before the line or if no-one manages to hold on to the bull, then the bull will be declared victorious.
  
• If the bull-tamer manages to hold on to the hump till it crosses the ‘finish line’, then the bull tamer is declared the winner.
  
• Only one bull tamer should hold on to the bull at one time. If more than one bull tamers hold on to the bull, then there is no winner.
  
• The bull tamer should ONLY hold on to the hump. He should NOT hold on to the neck or horns or tails of the bull. Such tamers will be disqualifies.
  
• No bull tamer will hit or hurt the bull in any manner. 
  

General Regulations for organising Jallikattu

• Jallikattu shall be permitted ONLY during the months of January to May every year.
  
• The Venue has to be approved by the District Collector.
  

Regulations for Organisers

Every person who organises the event shall,—

• take all precautionary steps for the orderly conduct of the event;
  
• inform in writing to the Collector thirty days prior to the date of the event and obtain his permission;
  
• double-barricade the arena or the way through which the bulls pass through, in order to avoid injuries to the spectators and by-standers who may be permitted to remain within the barricades;
  
• fix up the gallery for the spectators to sit and watch the event and the gallery shall be made up with strong sticks to permit occupation;
  
• arrange to obtain prior permission of the Collector to the persons, who wish to bring their bulls to participate in the event;
  
• ensure that the bulls are put to proper testing by the authorities of the Animal Husbandary Department to ensure that performance enhancement drugs are not administered to the bulls in any form and shall obtain a certificate to this effect in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed;
  
• arrange to enroll the names and other particulars of the bull tamers in the event with the Collector at least fifteen days prior to the holding of the event and the bull tamers shall also be put to thorough check up by a medical team constituted by the Collector for this purpose;
  
• ensure that every bull tamer to wear an exclusive dress for the sake of identification with necessary identification card issued by the Collector;
  
• deposit with the Collector, a sum as may be determined by the Collector, which shall not be less than rupees two lakhs, for the benefit of the victim including the members of the family of the victim in case of accident or injury during the event
  

BULL TAMERS

• Only pre-registered bull tamers will be allowed to participate
  
• All bull tamers have to be in the age group of 21 to 40 years
  
• Bull tamers will be tested for medical fitness
  
• Before entering the venue, bull-tamers will be tested for alcohol consumption etc
  
• All bull tamers should be provided an exclusive dress for the event and only whose wearing the dress will be allowd to enter the arena
  
• The contestants should hold on to the hump only.
  
• The contestants holding onto the horns, tail or neck of the bull will be disqualified
  

BULLS

• All bulls have to be pre-registered
  
• All bulls should carry recent medical fitness test certificate
  
• The horns of all bulls will be ‘blunted’ before the event entry
  
• The bulls will be tested for consumption of alcohol etc
  
• The bull should not be tortured or ill-treated in any manner
  
• No injured bull will be allowed into the arena
  

Equipments Need For Jallikattu

Jallikattu Bulls

History Of Jallikattu

‘Jallikattu’ is a rare sport that has been continuously played for thousands of years. A seal made of stone found at Mohenjodaro, depicts “jallikattu” that was prevalent in the Indus Civilisation. The seal, about 4,000 years old, is on display at the National Museum, New Delhi.

 The Sport has become an intrinsic part of the Tamil culture that it has broken all religious and caste barriers. People of all religions, caste and creed participate in this sport. The sport is usually held once a year in a village to celebrate a local temple or church festival. About 30% of the events held during 2013 were organised by christian churches.

Origin Of Jallikattu

Jallikattu, which is bull-baiting or bull fighting, is an ancient Tamilian tradition, popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. According to legend, in olden days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful "matadors" were chosen as grooms.

WHY DURING PONGAL

On 3rd day of the four-day-harvest festival, people offer prayers to bulls, cows and other farm animals and then play the customary bull-taming sport. They believe that not playing the sport will displease local deities, including lord Muniswara.

Etymology:

The term Jallikattu comes from the term "Salli" kassu (coins) and "Kattu" (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money. Later days during the colonial period this term got changed to Jallikattu which is the term currently used. Usually the majestic Kangeyam bull is involved in this game, as they are naturally more ferocious and muscular than any other of its species.

Governing Bodies