Viralimali Jallikattu Creates Record For Number Of Bulls Participating, Two Killed During Event

With the event witnessing the participation of 1,354 bulls along with 424 tamers, Viralimalai Jallikattu has entered the record books for the maximum number of bulls released into the sporting arena, News Today has reported.

The event, flagged off by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and coordinated by Health Minister C Vijayabaskar registered the participation of bulls and tamers from Pudukkottai, Trichy and Madurai. The earlier record for the number of bulls participating stood at 647, which was created two years ago.

The organisers had planned the participation of 2,000 bulls but couldn’t fit in the number due to lack of time.

Two bull tamers lost their lives during the proceedings while 31 others, including spectators, were injured. This was, however, the first time bull tamers were insured during Jallikattu under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana insurance. The tamers had a death cover of Rs 2 lakh each at a premium of Rs 12 each.

Prizes for the best tamers and bulls included two cars and 10 motorcycles along with gold and silver coins and home appliances. A gallery with 30,000 capacity had been setup for the event and over 700 police personnel were deployed for security.