Festival fun in Jallikattu
Alice Kelly, Client
As we were driving through a remote part of Tamil Nadu, our driver Rajish spotted beautifully decorated bulls, swathed in garlands, Jasmine, mango leaves and brightly coloured paint from their horns to their rumps. Knowing the area and culture so well he realised this was an indication that Jallikattu was in progress.
Jallikattu is an ancient ritual dating back 2000 years which is even documented in several rock paintings in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Ferocious bulls, with bundles of money tied to their painted horns, are released onto acres of farmland. According to the traditions of this ancient sport, men from villages all around the country wrestle the bulls for these prizes as well as to prove their masculinity. Jallikattu is Tamil for ‘bull fight’ although no harm actually befalls the bulls.
Rajish’s knowledge enabled us to understand the culture of Jallikattu and why so many flock to these events. The atmosphere is tense with excitement. People are perched precariously in trees and on rooftops, all vying for the best view. Farmers and vendors ply their delicacies whilst the rest of the crowd bounce around trying to avoid loose bulls on the run. Rajesh is extremely wary that we are out of the car and in the thick of it but cautiously lets us enjoy the thrill and adventure of this typically Indian festival.
Jallikattu was an experience not to be missed in the beautiful region of Tamil Nadu.
