The jallikattu bull is considered as a deity to worship in a village in Alanganallur in Madurai. It took its last breath on Wednesday, April 15.
Although the state governments have asked the public to keep funerals a low-key affair with 10 or less close relatives, the villagers wanted to pay their homage and tribute to their favourite bull in a grand manner.
Thousands had gathered at the funeral and the owners of the bull were inconsolable.
Bulls in Alanganallur and other villages such as Palamedu, Avaniapuram are highly revered and seen as the pride of the land.
Madurai District Collector TG Vinay informed news agency that 3,000 people who took part in the procession have been booked for violating Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and social distancing norms.
Every year, Jallikattu, the bull-taming festival is conducted and the winner bull is showered with presents and treats. The villagers said that this bull was like a deity to them and they wanted to give it the farewell it deserved.
Madurai has recorded over 41 coronavirus positive cases, as on 15 April. So far, Tamil Nadu has reported a total of 1,242 coronavirus cases, with 12 deaths.