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Saved from the axe, they are raging ahead now
Two years ago, the nine bulls were part of the 210 jallikattu bulls and calves that narrowly escaped the axe and were brought to the Velliangiri Goshala. Now, they were the proud winners of many prizes in the jallikattu events held in Madurai. Three bulls took part in the event at Alanganallur and two each in Avaniyapuram, Palamedu and Thottapanaikanur near Usilampatti.
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migrator
migrator
Coimbatore
“Seven bulls were out of the reach of the brave tamers. Only the professional tamers at Avaniyapuram and Palamedu were able to cling on to the humps of two bulls each. We have reserved the best ones for the upcoming jallikattu in Coimbatore to give a treat for the spectators in this region,” a representative of the Goshala told DTNext.
Nearly two years ago, owners of 210 bulls and calves in Madurai sold their cattle as they lost hope of the lifting of ban on the traditional sport. These bulls and calves were rescued from the axe and housed in the Ghosala near Narasipuram in Coimbatore. Neither the owners, nor handlers of the animals ever expected them to be back in action.
In the Ghosala, the bulls were well nurtured and trained thoroughly. One of the bulls died at the ripe age of 29-years two months ago. The remaining 209 bulls continue to get good care and training by six jallikattu experts from Madurai. They were led by C Jeyamani (35), a popular jallikattu bull handler and tamer.
Around 180 of the bulls were in sound health and fit to participate in jallikattu events. Of them, 150 bulls will participate in the first ever jallikattu in Coimbatore, said Jeyamani.
“Being fierce is in their (bulls) blood. Throughout the year they enjoy a healthy diet comprising dates, country chicken eggs and raw rice among more than half-adozen other ingredients. For nine to ten months they are taken for a walk, swimming and occasional practice,” the trainer said.
Hard core training for jallikattu happens only for two months. The feed intake too goes up drastically during this season, Jeyamani said and added “It begins on Karthigai 1 and goes on till Thai 1, when jallikattu season commences with Pongal festival.”
The expert trainer said, “The bulls are trained to stare and taunt the tamers, breath heavily and kick the ground to express their fury, kneel and drill the ground with their horns and leave the tamers spinning on air.” He added, “Usually during training, we cover the bulls’ horns with bicycle tubes. But it will not be the same at the jallikattu arena.”
“Come and see them in action at CODISSIA Ground,” invited Jeyamani, the proud trainer patting a bull.
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