Vladimir Putin to Witness Bull-Taming Sport Jallikattu During Pongal Celebrations With PM Narendra Modi? Here's What Government Said

New Delhi, October 29: Reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Tamil Nadu and witnessing the bull-taming sport Jallikattu at Alanganallur during Pongal celebrations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi made rounds on social media on Tuesday. The two leaders coming together to for the event got people excited and similar reports were also shared by several established news outlets. However, the news has proved to be false, and it is now certain that President Putin and PM Narendra Modi will not be in Tamil Nadu for the Jallikattu festival.

Jallikattu is a bull-taming sport played on the occasion of Pongal celebrations. In Jallikattu, a bull is let loose into a crowd. Those participating have to control the bull by holding its hump for as long as possible.

“The world-famous Alanganallur (a village near Madurai) Jallikkatttu event ahead of Pongal festival attracts thousands of viewers. People from foreign countries routinely visit the spot to witness Jallikkattu. We have heard that Putin would visit the event along with the PM Modi,” a top official was quoted saying by The Hindustan Times.

However, by evening it was clarified that Russian President Vladimir Putin won't be attending the Jallikattu with PM Narendra Modi, as reported earlier. The clarification was made by the Union government.

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Scores of foreigners from across the world throng Madurai to witness the famous bull-taming sport ‘Jallikattu’. The festival of Jallikattu had also garnered criticism and the Supreme Court of India had banned the sport in 2016. However, the ban gave rise to massive protests following which the Tamil Nadu government issued an executive order allowing the festival.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2019 11:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).