Tamil Nadu Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister Moorthy inaugurated the iconic Alanganallur Jallikattu in Vadipatti, Madurai, on Sunday, kicking off a vibrant celebration of Tamil heritage. The event, part of Chief Minister MK Stalin’s 72nd birthday festivities, features 1,000 bulls and 650 tamers from the Madurai Melur constituency, with winners set to receive prizes like cycles, mixies, and silver coins.

Held under tight security with over 100 police personnel, the competition ensures safety and fairness through veterinary checks on bulls and on-site medical support. Dignitaries including District Collector Sangita, MP Su Venkatesan, and Melur Revenue Divisional Officer Sangita graced the occasion, joined by DMK members, local leaders, and Jallikattu enthusiasts. Special seating and bus services from Madurai to the arena have been arranged, offering free access to the public.

Minister Moorthy highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “Since March 1, we’ve organized various programs for the CM’s birthday, and Jallikattu is a key highlight.” The sport, deeply tied to Tamil Nadu’s Pongal traditions, showcases rural valor and cultural pride. While the year’s first Jallikattu took place on January 14 in Pudukottai, Alanganallur’s edition in Madurai enjoys global fame for its scale and spirit.

The Madurai district administration has enforced strict 2025 guidelines: each bull is limited to one of three district events, accompanied only by its owner and a trainer. Participants must register via madurai.nic.in, with verified tokens required for entry. Pudukottai leads the state with over 120 annual Jallikattu events, but Madurai’s Alanganallur remains a cultural pinnacle, drawing thousands to witness this ancient bull-taming spectacle.