As Pongal approaches, the excitement builds for the upcoming jallikattu season, and this year, the fervor is accompanied by the anticipation of a grand inauguration of a state-of-the-art stadium in Madurai. The Alanganallur jallikattu, already a global attraction, is expected to receive an added touch of grandeur with the introduction of this swanky new stadium, set to be ready just in time for the festivities on January 16. The Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration, P Moorthy, recently inspected the site near Alanganallur at Keelakarai village, confirming that 95 percent of the construction works for the stadium have been completed. The new facility, a first-of-its-kind in the state, spans a vast area of 77,683 sq-ft, promising a remarkable venue for spectators and participants alike. Chief Minister MK Stalin had announced the construction of the Jallikattu stadium in Madurai during the Legislative Assembly session on January 21, 2022. The construction, initiated by Stalin on March 18, 2023, is nearing completion, with the inauguration expected shortly. Minister P Moorthy assured that the stadium would be fully operational for this year’s jallikattu event. Designed with grandeur and practicality in mind, the stadium boasts a capacity to accommodate 5000 spectators. Minister Moorthy highlighted that the layout is crafted to ensure convenience for everyone involved, including bulls and bull tamers. The careful planning and execution aim to enhance the overall experience for both participants and spectators. The government allocated Rs 44.6 crore for the construction of the jallikattu stadium, and an extensive 66 acres of land were acquired for its establishment. The facility is set to feature a grand entrance, a dedicated arena for bulls, well-equipped restrooms for bull owners and bulls, medical and veterinary care facilities, a rainwater harvesting system, water fountains, landscaping, an overhead tank with a capacity of 50,000

