Tamil Nadu Jallikattu guidelines:150 spectators allowed, negative Covid result mandatory

Chennai, Jan 10: Amid rise in Omicron-driven Covid-19 cases over the past few days, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday issued guidelines for Jallikattu events, allowing only 150 spectators or 50% of the total seating capacity.

According to new guidelines, only 300 bull tamers to participate in the event. They would be provided identity cards to participate in the event.

Only 150 bull tamers will be allowed to attend the annual bull chasing event. Those with valid identity cards provided by the district administration, alone, will be allowed inside the arena.

Bull owners and their assistants who register their animals for the sport and the tamers, as well, to produce a fully vaccinated certificate besides RT-PCR test negative report at least 48 hours before the event.

Spectators should also produce fully vaccinated against COVID-19 certificate and RT-PCR negative report, two days before the event. They should follow covid norms strictly.

Jallikattu is a traditional event in which a bull 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.

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.