How Thatchankurichi village opened the first Jallikattu of the new year

First jallikattu of Tamil Nadu for the year 2024, held at Thatchankurichi village in Pudkottai district

As the bright sun casts a warm golden hue, I arrive at Thatchankurichi, a quaint hamlet in Pudukottai district, all done up to open the season’s first jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.

Rows upon rows of majestic bulls line the village roads. The animals, adorned with colourful garlands, are their owners’ pride.

Karuppan from Mangadevanpatti village is happy, as his bull ‘Bullet’ has dodged many a daring tamer and won him a chair. The man, who tends to Bullet like his sibling, feeds it rice bran, corn, oil cake, coconuts and cotton seeds. The nutritious diet costs him ₹300 a day. “No one has tamed Bullet in the last two years. With the commencement of the season, I want to take him across the State to compete in more events,” he says.

The aroma of fried snacks wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses. Small food stalls offering a delectable array of traditional delicacies catch my sight. The sizzle of hot oil mingles with scents of crispy vadas, samosas, and piping hot bajjis, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge in the local culinary delights.

Amidst such vibrant chaos, the village was buzzing with excitement. The loud speakers, the voices of young men hustling, and the occasional tinkling of bells tied to the bulls create a symphony of anticipation.

As vibrant fabric pennants flutter in the breeze, adding a festive touch to the village streets, the atmosphere is electric, filled with the palpable energy of participants. Enthusiastic spectators try to catch a glimpse from the terrace of houses around the arena; some even climb onto the barricades to view the sport.