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Traditional bull-taming ritual resumes in India

A traditional but controversial bull-taming sport called Jallikattu resumed in southern India on Sunday, attracting thousands of spectators and participants.

Jallikattu involves releasing a bull into a crowd of bull-tamers who attempt to grab it and ride the animal.

It's hugely popular in southern Tamil Nadu state, but India's top court banned it in 2014 on grounds of animal cruelty.

The contests were allowed to resume after the Tamil Nadu state government signed an executive order, following large-scale protests by fans last month.

Sunday's event involved more than 900 bulls, with nearly 700 bull-tamers taking part in Avanipuram in Madurai district, officials said.

Animal rights activists, including PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) India, have protested against the sport, which they said was cruel to the animals, who often have chilli powder rubbed into their eyes and their tails broken as the crowds try to grab them.

It is also deemed dangerous for the participants.

At least 21 participants were reported injured during Sunday's event, one of them seriously, according to officials.

Shortly after the ban was lifted two weeks ago, two men were gored to death and dozens injured in the village of Rapoosal, the Press Trust of India reported. Supporters and participants said the sport was part of Tamil culture.