Tamil Nadu geared up for Jallikattu on Monday

People in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu are all geared up for the traditional three-day bullfight event, Jallikattu.

Jallikattu is organised as a part of the harvest festival of Pongal, which will be celebrated on Monday.

Fighters and muscular wild bulls, often pepped up with large amounts of home-made liquor, dash after each other on the streets of Tamil Nadu during the event.

"Although we faced resistence for rearing Jallikattu bulls, we never gave up. The traditional spot of Jallikattu has to be organised and therefore, we do this. We have won many prizes in the tournament and we administer swimming and special training for the cattle," said Alagar, a local.

Unlike the Spanish version of the sport, the aim is not to kill the bulls but to dominate and tame them, and pluck away bundles of money or other treats tied to their specially-sharpened horns.

"Last year, I tamed four bulls in Alangananur Jallikattu tournament and won many prizes. This year also I will take Avaniyapuram, Alanganallur and Palamedu Jallikattu. We have been getting special training for this. I am sure I will tame more bulls than last year," said Karthick, a participant.

Fighters and spectators have been gored or trampled to death, and the number of injured fighters has often run into the hundreds.

The Supreme Court banned Jallikattu in 2007, saying it was cruel and not in keeping with what it described as the country's non-violent traditions.

But that ban was watered down, and the court said the popular sport could be held under strict government vigil.