Jallikattu, Taming the Bull, an annual Pongal festival as part of Tamil rural traditions.

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Purple fury ... - Madurai

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Taming the Bull, a proof of courage to impress the future Bride, was the origine of a Tamil rural tradition that grew out as a popular Pongal Festival around Madurai.

With it's growing popularity, the game was often disputed in press and by 'Animal Right' groups trying to stop this rural festival of common people: the farmers and their bulls.

Thanks to Tamil politicians, a ban from the Central Court was compromised by increasing the safety of the game by double fences to the public and selective trained Bull Tamers which resulted in no casualties in 2008, in other words, the game became even more safe then traffic taking daily lifes.

You can enjoy this festival of the famers around 15 january 2009 in Paalamedu and Allanganlur on the countryside and at Avaniya Puram in Madurai.