CHENNAI: Jallikattu competitions commenced in a grand manner at Sooriyur in Tiruchy district on Friday, drawing large crowds to the venue.

A total of 850 bulls and 600 bull-tamers are participating in the event. The competition began with the ceremonial release of the temple bull, following which bull-tamers took an oath in the presence of the District Collector, said a Daily Thanthi report.

Thousands of spectators have gathered at the Jallikattu arena to witness the event. Heavy police security has been deployed at the venue to ensure safety and maintain law and order.

The new Jallikattu stadium in Sooriyur was developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.

The new Jallikattu stadium in Sooriyur has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and includes a large arena, a permanent vadivasal, two VIP galleries, and two spectator galleries. Moving away from the earlier practice of hosting only one event in Sooriyur, organisers across Tiruchy have decided to conduct the annual competitions at this stadium from this year onward.