Kaanum Pongal Celebrations in Trichy Feature Jallikattu and Traditional Games
Trichy and the delta districts celebrated Kaanum Pongal with great enthusiasm on Saturday. The festivities featured a diverse range of sporting events. These activities aimed to preserve ancient customs and traditions. They also highlighted important social causes.
Jallikattu Event in Avarankadu Village
A jallikattu event took place in Avarankadu village, Marungapuri block, Trichy district. This event was part of the broader Pongal festival celebrations. A total of 228 tamers from Trichy and nearby districts participated. Organizers released 611 bulls into the arena.
Thousands of spectators from Marungapuri and Manapparai gathered to witness the spectacle. The event resulted in injuries to 40 people. This included 11 tamers, 11 bull owners, and 18 spectators. Four of the injured required hospital admission. The others received outpatient care. One bull also sustained injuries during the event.
Similar Events in Other Districts
Similar jallikattu events occurred in Rachandar Tirumalai, Karur district and Vanniyanviduthi, Pudukottai district on the same day. Hundreds of bulls and tamers participated in these events across the region.
Traditional Village Games and Cultural Performances
Villages across Trichy and the delta districts organized traditional games. These included Aadu Puli, Pallankuzhi, Kittipullu, Silambattam, Uriyadi, and slow-cycling races. Both adults and children actively participated in these activities.
Women added to the festive atmosphere by performing kummi dances and singing. Their performances were accompanied by enthusiastic 'kulavai' cries, creating a vibrant community spirit.
Sports Competitions in Tiruvarur District
In Tiruvarur district, Aaruraan Vilaiyattu Kazhagam organized various competitions for school students. These included swimming, cycling, running, and a mini marathon. The organization also arranged traditional rekla races featuring horse carts.
Rekla Races in Mayiladuthurai District
Mayiladuthurai district hosted rekla races along an eight-kilometre stretch of national highway 32. The races occurred between Thirukadaiyur and Tharangambadi. Organizers conducted separate races for bullock carts and horse carts. They divided categories according to the age and size of the animals.
Torch Relay for Social Causes
In Thiruvilaiyattam village, Mayiladuthurai district, the Democratic Youth Federation of India organized a torch relay. Participants covered a few kilometres while carrying the torch. They used this event to promote religious harmony. The relay also served as a platform to raise voices against communal atrocities.
