In India, a bull-fighting sport Jallikattu played by over 2000 bulls and 730 bull catchers left 71 injured — and it has just begun

The traditional Jallikattu is a part of the Pongal festival celebrations in the state and trace its history back to 400-100 BC.

This year, Jallikattu began in Avaniyapuram in Madurai in which about 700 bulls and about 730 bull tamers participated.

It is an important festival for farmers in India who celebrate their spirit of hard work by controlling a bull.

For years, Jallikattu has been criticised for animal cruelty. It is reportedly said that bull owners throw lime juice and chilli into the eye’s of the bull to turn them aggressive during the game.

Sometimes, bulls are stabbed with knives by participants who try to win the game. For supporters, this is a tradition they worship. Farmers believe bulls are a perfect show of strength.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India banned the sport following complaints of animal cruelty. However, the decision was reversed in 2017 following massive protests.

The Tamil Nadu government believes the festival is significant for the "survival and well-being of the native breed of bulls and preserving cultural traditions".

Not just bulls, the festival sometimes involves the "Wanga" breed of foxes. Considered a good omen by locals, a particular breed of foxes are pulled out of jungles for use in a "jallikattu" type event.

The foxes are tied using ropes and chased across the streets by the villagers on 'Kaanum Pongal', the last day of the annual harvest festival.

The villagers in parts of the district, including in Chinniampalayam and Vadukathampatty, observe this practice as they believe the Wanga foxes bring good fortunes and copious rains. The foxes are later sent back to the forest.

^{(With inputs from agencies)}