The harvest festival Pongal has been celebrated with traditional fervour in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and several other parts today. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders have extended their Pongal wishes. <br/><br/>The Prime Minister has greeted the public in Tamil via social media on the occasion. As a sequel to the festival, the traditional game Jallikattu also began today in the state. A report from our correspondent:<br/><br/>Stringent conditions have been laid out for participating in the Jallikattu game and the events are monitored by the representatives of Animal Welfare Board of India. After a brief hiatus, the game is being held since last year. It was made possible as the state bill exempting bulls from the list of performing animals got the centre's nod and Presidential assent following the Marina Protests. <br/><br/>The game at Avaniyapuram (??????????) in Madurai today set the ball rolling for the Jallikattu season that will be followed by the one at Palamedu (???????) tomorrow and Alanganallur (???????????) the next day. The Avaniyapuram event was participated by more than 600 bulls and as many bull-taming youth. For over three months, the game will be performed both in big and small scales.