In India, a bull-fighting sport Jallikattu played by over 2000 bulls and 730 bull catchers left 71 injured — and it has just begun

• South India’s famous bull-taming festival — Jallikattu — kicked off yesterday and will last till January 31.
  
• This year, so far, about 71 persons were injured in Madurai district on Wednesday, according to reports.
  
• For years, Jallikattu has been criticised for animal cruelty.
  
• However, it is an important festival for farmers in India who celebrate their spirit of hard work by controlling a bull.
  

As drum thumps and thousands of people cheer, several men jump on the backs of bull and try to hang on as it jumps and fights aggressively. Such adventurers win prizes like utensils, clothes, bicycles, motorbikes or even a car if they hold on to the bull for three jumps in 30 seconds.

This is South India’s famous bull-taming festival — Jallikattu — celebrated across Tamil Nadu state during the four-days of Pongal or the harvest festival. The bull taming games — kicked off today and will last till January 31.

The sport has been the centre of controversy from across the world for tormenting both humans and animals. This year, so far, about 71 persons were injured in Madurai district on Wednesday, according to reports.