Bull taming festival kicks off with high energy across region
by Ekta ChaubeyThe much-awaited Jallikattu competitions have kicked off in villages as part of the annual Kanuma festival celebrations.
The incident took place in Rangampet, located in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, on January 15.
The visual depicts thousands of people gathered on rooftops, balconies, and along the streets to watch the festival. During the event, bulls adorned with special prize plates are released into the streets. Young people stand ready to catch the bulls, and a few succeed in doing so. Meanwhile, the procession continues through the area.
According to reports, this traditional event, which attracts thousands of spectators each year, has once again brought together people from across the region to witness the thrilling bullfights. Bulls, specially prepared for the competition, are being released in turn into the village streets, where they are confronted by young men eager to compete for prizes. The bulls, adorned with prize plates, are a focal point of the event, with each plate bearing the name of a movie hero or political leader, and often tied with valuable rewards such as cash, gold, or silver. These prized plates serve as a coveted target for the participants, who risk their skills and bravery to capture them.
The Jallikattu competitions have attracted a large crowd, including people from the neighboring constituencies of Chandragiri, Tirupati, and Peeleru, as well as from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, all hoping to take home these prestigious prizes. The tradition continues to grow, with local youth embracing the event as a celebration of courage, strength, and community spirit.
In addition to Jallikattu, the Sankranti festival brings cockfights to the Konaseema areas, while parts of Rayalaseema also organize their own versions of Jallikattu. The excitement of the season is palpable, as villages are filled with the energy of youth competing in these high-stakes contests. In the joint Chittoor district, Jallikattu has become more than just a tradition—it is now a celebrated adventure sport, bringing together people from various walks of life to partake in the festivities and showcase their bravery and determination.