Jallikattu began in parts of Tamil Nadu today, including Tiruchirappalli district, with traditional fervour even as protests continued at Alanganallur in Madurai, where people refused to hold the famous sport seeking a “permanent solution“.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who had yesterday said that he would inaugurate the event at Alanganallur, is now expected to do so in neighbouring Dindigul district.

The bull taming sport began at Manapparai in Tiruchirappali district with thousands witnessing the event as bulls roared out into the sporting arena. - PTI

10.13 p.m.

Aadhi : 99.9 per cent victory has happened. If something averse happens tomorrow, we are scared that will get branded as betrayers. People here with me have been struggling for over 10 years.

10.12 p.m.

Rajesh: We are explaining to the students and clarifying to them about the future course with regard to the law here. It will become a law tomorrow. We hope that students themselves will take a decision and decide how to end protest

10.05 p.m.

Hiphop Adhi: This is a victory that solely belongs to the students and no one else should take credit for it. We are hoping that the youngsters themselves think and end this protest in a good way. This is very important since a few other elements are trying to hijack the protest for their own gains.

10.00 p.m.

Rajesh, Veera Vilayattu Peravai: Jalikattu was not allowed in Alanganallur on Sunday because the protesters thought that like last time it will be challenged in court. So they want to see the law passed in assembly. So they want to see the law passed in assembly

9.30 p.m.

Rajashekar: for the last three months, sad that Jalikattu hasn't happened. We were crestfallen that it didn't happen this year as well. Kept petitioning the govt and telling them to amend the PCA. All over Tamil Nadu, students, working professionals and families have come together for a silent revolution. Without causing any damage to property or being a public nuisance, they have been 90 per cent victorious. We had asked for amendment of PCA. Government has told us they will

Jalikattu has begun, but people protests continue. Up to a certain extent out demands have been met. We are appealing to the government that jalikattu should happen and the state should take on the expenses of safety measures which need to be implemented.

Karthikeya Senapathy asks for people to continue their protests after two months after seeing what action the central government will take. Urging protesters to see Jalikattu. Experience the whole thing and then take up the issue again if necessary later.

None of these protests happened after asking us or anything. They were organic. He's saying they don't have rights to ask them to stop- just that he is appealing to them to think about this

7.30 p.m.

PM respects Tamil culture: Pon. Radhakrishnan

With the Centre facing flak for not issuing an ordinance for conduct of Jallikattu, Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ‘explained’ the legal situation in this regard but fully backed the State’s efforts to hold the bull taming sport.

“Explaining the legal situation [matter being sub-judice] with the Chief Minister, Prime Minister Modi had told him that it would be appropriate for the state government to issue the ordinance and had said he would totally support and cooperate,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said. — PTI

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7.00 p.m.

Kamal Haasan slams PETA over jallikattu

“PETA go ban bull riding rodeos in Mr Trump’s US You’re not qualified to tackle our bulls,” actor Kamal Haasan said in a tweet. — PTI

PETA go ban bull riding rodeos in Mr.Trump's U.S. You're not qualified to tackle our bulls. Empires have been made to quit India. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 22, 2017

6.10 p.m.

15 sustain injuries in jallikattu held at Malathankulam in Ariyalur district — Jaisankar reports

6.00 p.m.

Schools and Colleges to function tomorrow

All schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu will function as usual from tomorrow, a release by the Information and Public Relations Department of the Tamil Nadu government said.

5.45 p.m.

One die of dehydration in Madurai protest

Madurai: Police said 48-year-old Chandramohan, from Jaihindpuram, died due to dehydration in Madurai city when he was taking part in the protests along with students and youths demanding a ‘permanent solution’ for holding jallikattu.

People continue their rail roko protest on the Vaigai river bridge in Madurai on Sunday. | Photo Credit: R. Ashok

A report from Ramanathapuram said 'Manjuvirattu' (a variety of jallikattu) was held at Sevoor and Iruveli and people participated on a large-scale.

At Thanjavur, students held placards and staged protests between the railway station and old bus-stand area. Some students continued their protest for the sixth day in front of the Thanjavur head post office.— PTI

4.30 p.m.

Hold talks with protesters: DMK

DMK on Sunday urged Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam to hold talks with pro-jallikattu protesters and “stop insisting” the Ordinance route will yield permanent results ensuring unhindered annual organisation of the sport.

4.00 p.m.

Jallikattu at Pudhupatti village near Manapparai in Tiruchi district was conducted in a peaceful manner. 50 bulls from different parts of Tiruchi and Dindigul districts were brought to the grounds. No political representative was present at the event. — M. Balaganessin reports

3.50 p.m.

Protest against Rekla race in Coimbatore

Supporters of jallikattu protest against the conduct of the Rekla race which was inaugurated by Minister S.P. Velumani and organised by the State government, in Coimbatore on Sunday. | Photo Credit: M. Periasamy

3.40 p.m.

All roads lead to Marina

People raise slogans against PETA as they head towards the Marina Beach to join the supporters of jallikattu, in Chennai on Sunday. | Photo Credit: Mandira Moddie

3.30 p.m

Students block train near Kumbakonam

Some youths and students of a private college blocked the Mayiladuthurai-Tirunelveli passenger train around noon near Kumbakonam on Sunday demanding that the Central government ban PETA.

3.10 p.m.

CM leaves without inaugurating jallikattu

Jallikattu was conducted in various parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday even as protests continued at Alanganallur in Madurai where people refused to hold the famous sport seeking a “permanent solution”, forcing Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to leave for Chennai without inaugurating it.

The turnout at the protest venue in Alanganallur on Sunday was considerably higher when compared to the previous days. Photo: G. Moorthy | Photo Credit: G. Moorthy

3.00 p.m.

Two dead in jallikattu held at Pudukkottai's Rapoosal village

Two persons died and 57 others were injured in the jallikattu held at Rapoosal village in Pudukkottai district amid tight police security.

Youths try to tame a raging bull during the jallikattu event held at Rapoosal village, in Pudukkottai on Sunday. | Photo Credit: M. Moorthy

Both the deceased — Raja (30) and Mohan (30) — were from the Pudukottai district. They succumbed to their injuries at the government hospital in Pudukottai and Ilupur respectively.

Over 150 bulls took part in the event that lasted over three-and-a-half hours. The event was organised at the native village of Health Minister Vijayabaskar, who witnessed the event. — R. Rajaram reports

2.30 p.m.

Police force have been moved out of ‘Vadivasal’ and arena area in Alanganallur and Palamedu as there is no need for deployment there, says Madurai Superintendent of Police Vijeyandra Bidari — reports S. Sundar

12.55 p.m.

Reciprocate the respect shown by govts: Tamilisai Soundararajan

Respecting the sentiments of protesting youngsters, both the Central and State governments have made great efforts to ensure that their demand for Jallikattu was met, BJP State President Tamilisai Soundararajan said, adding that it was time for the protesters to reciprocate the respect shown by the governments.

She was confident that Jallikattu will be conducted in Alanganallur today.

She assures that the ordinance and the subsequent legislation to be passed by Tamil Nadu Assembly will be a permanent solution and credit should be given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that there were no hurdles for TN to pass the ordinance.

She said that the legisation to be passed by TN Government cannot be challenged by anyone in the Supreme Court, including PETA. On banning PETA, she said that the activities of the organization had become suspicious and had to be banned if needed.

12.50 p.m.

Apprehensions of Jallikattu agitators unfounded: Katju

Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju today said the apprehensions of sections of protesters seeking a “permanent solution” were unfounded as the ordinance to allow Jallikattu will be replaced by an Act of the Tamil Nadu legislature which will be “permanent.”

“Some people say that the Jallikattu ordinance is only a temporary measure. It is true that an ordinance issued by the Governor is only temporary, vide Article 213(2) of the Constitution of India,” he said.

However, the “Tamil Nadu legislature is meeting tomorrow and will replace the Ordinance by an Act, which will be permanent,” he stated in his blog post today.

“It is true that this Act may be challenged in the court, but this challenge is unlikely to succeed, since the assent of the President has been obtained under Article 254(2). So the apprehensions of some people are really unfounded,” he said. - PTI

12.40 p.m.

Jallikattu will be held as per people's wish: CM

P. Vasanth reports:

CM Panneerselvam addresses press at Madurai, says Jalikattu will be held in Alanganallur whenever the locals want, as per their wish.

A legislation will soon be passed by the Assembly to make the ordinance a permanent solution, he added.

When asked about the demand for banning PETA, he said no forces can stop Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and the State government will prevent attempts by any such forces.

People stage a demonstration before the ‘Vadivasal’ at Kovilpatti village near Natham, protesting against the district administration’s arrangements to conduct jallikattu, in Dindigul district on Sunday. | Photo Credit: G. Karthikeyan

12.15 p.m.

Madurai Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao on his way to Alanganallur to make another attempt to convince the villagers for conducting Jallikattu. However, he is facing difficulties reaching the village as all the roads leading to the village have been blocked by the protesters.

Protest continues on the fifth day at Old bus stand in Vellore on Sunday, reports C. Venkatachalapathy

12.08 p.m.

Coimbatore Law College students who were on fast, give up after three days.

Rekla race in Coimbatore stopped by protesters. According to them, two students were picked up by B6 police from VOC. The protesters want them to be released. They blocked the road when four carts were released. Minister SP Velumani inaugurated the race.

Rekla race conducted by State Government in Coimbatore on January 22, 2017. | Photo Credit: M. Periasamy

12 noon

R.Rajaram reports from Pudukottai:

Nearly 100 bulls from various places in Tiruchi, Pudukottai and Sivaganga districts have taken part in the Jallikattu till 11.45 a.m. Five injured. Bull tamers were provided with T-shirts for easier identification. A festive atmosphere prevails at Raapusal where the event is being held after a gap of three years.

11.35 a.m.

Traffic Ramaswamy addresses crowd at Marina Beach, reports Dennis S. Jesudasan.

11.15 a.m.

District administration plans Jallikattu in three villages of Ariyalur district.

People continue their rail roko protest on the Vaigai river bridge in Madurai on Sunday.

Youths tried to hold on to the hump for a brief distance as the animals sped fast towards the exit. Hundreds of bulls and youths participated in the show. Owners of winning animals and youngsters were awarded with prize money. ‘Manjuvirattu’, another form of jallikattu, was reported from villages in Dharmpauri district. - PTI

11.10 a.m.

Hundreds of protesters in Chennai's Marina Beach and Madurai continue to ask for a permanent solution.

10.55 a.m.

BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan arrives at the Madurai hotel where Chief Minister is holding discussions. Ms. Tamilisai refuses to speak to the media, and added that she will update on the proceedings.

10.50 a.m.

R.Rajaram reports:

Jalikattu is currently on at Raapusal village in Pudukottai amid tight police security. Health Minister Vijayabaskar and district collector S. Ganesh are present at the venue. The event started at around 10 a.m. with bulls from various villages taking part.

10.47 a.m.

C. Jaisankar reports from Tiruchi:

More than 2000 people participated in Jallikattu held at Pudupatti near Manaparai in Tiruchi district.

This is the first Jallikattu held in Tamil Nadu since the State government promulgated ordinance clearing hurdles on conducting bull taming sport. About 100 bulls brought from different parts of the State were let loose.

However, no officials or Ministers were present in Pudupatti village.

#WATCH: #Jallikattu organized in Pudupatti village in Tiruchirappalli, 100 bulls and more than 500 bull tamers participate #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/G3SSBd7Ylq — ANI (@ANI_news) January 22, 2017

10.45 a.m.

Protests at Kovilpati Village in Natham in Dindigul district. | Photo Credit: K. Raju

K. Raju reports:

Dindigul district's Natham's AIADMK union secretary A. Shajahan announced the cancellation of Jallikattu at Kovilpati village and appealed the people to disperse. "A new date will be announced after consulting with villagers," he added. But the crowd stayed on the spot.

G. Karthikeyan reports:

People stage demonstration against PETA at Natham Kovilpatti, where the TN government plans to organise Jallikattu. The CM also planned to inaugurate Jallikattu here because of agitations in Alanganallur. But his programme was cancelled here also.

10.40 a.m.

Deepu Sebastian reports:

Youngsters of Palamedu, Madurai have begun a sit-in before their 200-odd-year-old Vaadivaasal after receiving information that the CM could launch the event there.

People continue their 4th day rail roko protest on the Vaigai river bridge in Madurai on Sunday. | Photo Credit: R. Ashok

Public stage protest at VOC stadium in Palayamkottai in support of Jallikattu.

10.35 a.m.

Salem: Koolamedu residents await instructions from Chennai Marina Beach and Alanganallur protesters.

Salem district administration had planned to conduct Jallikattu following special ordinance on Koolamedu village near Attur on Sunday morning. Minister Edapadi Palaniswami was set to inaugurate it.

But the event was cancelled due to opposition from the local people. They want a permanent solution. The people did not allow government officials in to Koolamedu village from the morning.

10.20 a.m.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam was not allowed to travel to Alanganallur to flag off Jallikattu. All 7 roads to the village were blocked.

Mr. Panneerselvam holds review meeting at Pandian Hotel in Madurai. Villagers have created roadblocks by cutting down roadside trees.

10.15 a.m.

K. Raju reports from Dindigul:

Hundreds of villagers sat before Sri Kailsanathanadhar Temple, a Jallikattu venue at Kovilpatti village in Natham. They protested against the government move to conduct Jallikattu on Sunday.

A group of youth blocked Vaadivasal, as rural people refused to bring bulls for the event. Heavy police were deployed at the spot. Collector T.G Vinay and SP A. Saravanan assessed the situation at the spot. District administration made all arrangements for conducting Jallikattu last night itself.

Earlier on January 21

Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said he would flag off the event at 10 a.m. at Alanganallur, in Madurai. Other Ministers are expected to inaugurate events in their respective districts.