Jallikattu is an ancient heroic sporting event of the Tamils from Tamilnadu which takes place during the Pongal festive season. Jallikattu is a South Indian celebration involving bull taming, somewhat similar to the Spanish running of the bulls. It is held in the villages of TamilNadu on the eve of Mattu Pongal, one of the four days of Pongal festival (usually January 15 on the Western calendar). The one held in Alanganallur, near Madurai, is the most popular. This ancient Jallikattu sports is also known as "Manju Virattu", meaning "chasing the bull".
According to legend, in olden days the game was used by women to choose their husbands. Successful "matadors" were chosen as a hero among the girls and will be considered as a eligible bachelor to approach the girls for marriage proposal.
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