Tamil Nadu government permits jallikattu with Covid-19 restrictions

CHENNAI/MADURAI: In a surprise move, the state government on Wednesday issued orders allowing Jallikattu, Manjuvirattu, and Vadamadu events for the upcoming Pongal season, provided they follow strict Covid guidelines. 

The decision -- coming shortly after restrictions were imposed on New Year revelry in beaches and hotels -- has been welcomed by farmers and organisers. 

According to the guidelines issued by the government, events can be held only with 50 per cent audience. All participants have to produce a Covid-negative certificate obtained from a government-recognised laboratory. 

All spectators will be subjected to thermal scanning, and will have to wear a mask and maintain social distancing at the venues. The government has also capped the number of bull tamers. As per guidelines, no more than 300 tamers would be allowed to participate per event.

For Erudhu Vidum Vizha, the number of participants has been capped at 150. 

“This is a huge relief,” says J Sundararajan, president of Alanganallur Jallikattu Organising Committee. “We will begin the works for conducting the event from January 1.” 

​ P Velu, Secretary of Palamedu Grama Podhu Mahalingaswamy Madathu Committee, is concerned that the cap on audience would pose a challenge.

“Restricting crowd in the gallery would be a difficult task. Also, the announcement comes a bit late than usual, giving us a short time to make logistic and financial arrangements. We would have to discuss with the Collector to understand the ground implementation.”  

“Taking cue from the jallikattu events held last year in Coimbatore and Tiruppur, we can issue tokens in batches, this would give around 1 - 1.5 hours per batch,” says P Rajasekar, president of Jallikattu Peravai. 

A rotational viewing is being considered

Audience may be issued tokens in batches with timing. This would prevent thousands from thronging the gallery and many would get a chance to witness the sport, says P Rajasekar.