On Monday, Tamil Nadu government released detailed guidelines on the conduct of Jallikattu events ahead of Pongal festival in the state.
Only 150 bull tamers will be allowed to attend the annual bull chasing event. All participants must provide negative RTPCR test results done within 48 hours of the event.
Jallikattu is conducted as part of Mattu Pongal, the third day of the four-day-long harvest festival Pongal. The Tamil word ‘mattu’ means bull, and the third day of Pongal is dedicated to cattle, a key partner in the process of farming.
According to new guidelines, not more than 150 spectators will be allowed and a negative certificate is also mandatory to watch Jallikattu events.
The state government has also requested people to watch the event on television and avoid mass gathering due to rising Covid cases in the state.
The Madras High Court had ordered the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that bulls of native breed are allowed to participate in the Jallikattu events and not foreign or hybrid bulls.