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TAMIL NADU, INDIA, January 21, 2005: Bullfighting is usually thought of as a Spanish entertainment, but in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu a local variation is growing in popularity. It also appears to be becoming more dangerous. Bullfighting, or jallikattu as it is known here, is centred on two villages near the town of Madurai. Its exponents say it is thousands of years old. Hundreds of bulls are released one at a time into a large open space. Each bull has prizes and valuables tied to its horns. The contestants have to get close enough to the bulls to grab the prizes. And that often involves grappling with the bulls. One key difference with Spanish bullfighting is that the bulls in Tamil Nadu are not intentionally killed. They are only “tamed” so that participants can help themselves to the prizes. The fights are held during the annual harvest festival, known as Pongal.



This year five people were killed and more than 200 injured during the fights. Taming the bulls is not easy. The bulls are often frenzied and alarmed, ferociously removing anyone brave – or stupid – enough to stand directly in their way. Because the bullfighting does not take place in a stadium, inevitably those taking part and those watching are often injured as the bulls rush into the crowd. The best technique is to cling on for dear life to the bull’s horns as the beasts vigorously try to shake off the raiders.



Animal rights campaigners say it is a grisly sport, which results in many bulls being tortured and harassed. But organizers argue that bullfighting is an ancient and sacrosanct Indian tradition. “This is a sport which has been here for more than 2000 years,” says R. Raghupathi who organizes the annual event. “We have descriptions of such events in our ancient literature… in those days women married only those who were able to tame the bulls and show their valor. “It is an integral part of Tamil culture.” Mr. Raghupathi denies the animals are mistreated or harmed in any way. As word of Tamil Nadu’s bullfighting spreads, more and more tourists are coming every year, with travel agents even organizing package deals.

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