It was cruel to know how the majestic animal was killed in a macabre way by the matador.

I wish to draw a parallel with the Jallikattu, an ancient Tamil game of bull taming which is even today conducted every year in January in Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu in India.

Many foreigners visit this place to view this traditional game of valour.

In this game, several bulls are let loose and youngsters chase and try to tame them.

For this, bulls are tended for several months before the event with special food and health supplements.

Whoever successfully tames the animal and brings it under control will be given attractive prizes.

There is no killing of the animal in Jallikattu. In fact, age-old Tamil tradition has it that the king's daughter will be given away in marriage to whoever proves his physical strength and valour by taming a bull.

N. Nageswaran