Jallikattu (or
sallikkattu), also known as
eru thazhuvuthal and
manju virattu, is a traditional spectacle in which a
Bos Indicus bull, such as the Pulikulam or Kangayam breeds,
is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants
attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and
hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hold the
hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In
some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the
bull's horns.
Jallikattu is typically practised in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, which occurs annually in January.
Etymology
Ancient Tamil Sangams described the practice as Yeru thazhuvuthal (Tamil: ஏறு தழுவுதல்), literally "bull embracing". The modern term Jallikattu (ஜல்லிக்கட்டு) or Sallikattu (சல்லிக்கட்டு) is derived from salli (coins) and kattu (package), which refers to a prize of coins that are tied to the bull's horns and that participants attempt to retrieve. Manju virattu (மஞ்சு விரட்டு) literally means "bull chasing"
History
An inscription on Eru thazhuvuthal at Government museum in Tamil Nadu.
Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil Classical period (400-100 BC). It was common among the ancient people Aayars who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil country.
Later, it became a platform for display of bravery and prize money was
introduced for participation encouragement. A seal from the Indus vally civilization depicting the practice is preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi. A cave painting in white kaolin discovered near Madurai depicting a lone man trying to control a bull is estimated to be about 2,500 years old.
Some variants include:
- Vadi manjuviraṭṭu: This is the most common category of
Jallikattu. The bull is released from a closed space (vadi vasal) and
the contestants attempt to wrap their arms or hands around the hump of
the bull and hold on to it to win the award. Only one person is allowed
to attempt at a time. This variant is most common in the districts of
Madurai, Thanjavur, and Salem.
- Vēli viraṭṭu: In this variant the approach is slightly
different as the bull is directly released into open ground. The rules
are the same as that of vadi majuviraṭṭu. This is a popular variant in the districts of Sivagangai and Madurai.
- Vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu: In this variant, the bull is tied with a 15 m (49 ft) rope (vatam
means "rope" in Tamil). There are no other physical restrictions for
the bull and hence it can move freely anywhere. The maximum time period
given is 30 minutes. A team of seven to nine members can attempt to seal the bull.
Bulls enter the competition area through a gate called the
vadi vasal.
Typically, participants must only hold onto the bull's hump, and in
some variations they are disqualified if they hold onto the bull's neck,
horns or tail. There may be several goals to the game depending on
region. In some versions, contestants must either hold the bulls hump
for 30 seconds or for 15 metres (49 ft).
If the contestant is thrown by the bull or falls, they lose. Some
variations only allow for one contestant. If two people grab the hump,
then neither person wins.
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