Tirupattur

The sixth edition of the traditional bull-taming event Eruthu Vidum was organised with much enthusiasm on Tuesday at Puthukovil village near Natrampalli in Tirupattur district, drawing large crowds and widespread participation.

More than 350 bulls took part in the rural sporting event, which witnessed entries from Tirupattur, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Jolarpet and Krishnagiri, besides neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the growing popularity of the festival beyond state borders.

Prior to the competition, all participating bulls underwent mandatory health screenings conducted by veterinarians and were permitted to compete only after being certified medically fit.

The competition assessed bulls on the basis of the time taken to reach a specified target point. Those completing the run in the shortest duration were declared winners.

Cash rewards were presented to the top performers, with the first prize set at ₹1,00,002, the second prize at ₹80,001 and the third prize at ₹60,001. A total of 130 prizes were distributed among the best-performing bulls during the event.

Thousands of spectators, particularly youth from nearby villages, gathered at Puthukovil, transforming the village into a lively festival venue celebrating the region’s age-old agrarian traditions.

To ensure smooth conduct and maintain law and order, more than 50 police personnel were deployed under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Mahalakshmi. Security arrangements remained tight throughout the programme, allowing the event to conclude peacefully.

Meanwhile, earlier during the last Friday of the Tamil month of Thai, a Thiruvilakku Puja was held at the Sri Thunga Balasthanambika Sametha Kadrasundareswarar Temple in Kanjanagaram village of Tharangambadi taluk in Mayiladuthurai district.

The ritual involved the ceremonial lighting of lamps, accompanied by prayers and offerings. Devotees brought sweets, fruits and flowers, filling the temple with devotional songs and spiritual fervour as priests led the ceremonies, invoking blessings for health, prosperity and family well-being.

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Women devotees offered special prayers, seeking marital harmony and strength, and performed archana by presenting kumkum, flowers and other ritual items to the lamps they carried.