3 killed, 75 injured during Araliparai manjuvirattu in Sivaganga

Sivaganga: Three people died and several left injured during the Araliparai manjuvirattu held near Singampunari in Sivaganga district on Monday.The deceased were identified as Jammulal Lalji, an ice-cream vendor, and a native of Rajasthan, Ramnath from Naattarmangalam, and Rajendran from Pudukottai. Out of the 75 injured, which included both spectators and bull tamers, eight people with severe injuries were rushed to the Singampunari govt hospital for advanced treatment. A team from the Piranmalai govt primary health centre provided on-site first aid to those with minor injuries.The event, which draws massive crowds, saw the participation of 112 screened bull tamers and more than 500 bulls brought from various districts, including Madurai, Trichy, Dindigul, Theni, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram. While some bulls were released through the traditional vadi vasal (entry point), hundreds of others were unleashed in the surrounding open fields, leading to chaotic scenes.The traditional bull-taming event was organised as part of the 10-day celebrations of the Masi Magam festival at the Chaturvedamangalam Athmanayaki Ruthra Koteeswarar Temple.The event commenced after special prayers were performed at the Baladhandayuthapani temple atop the Araliparai hill. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed to manage the massive gathering and ensure order during the traditional festivities.