Senthil Ganesh’s powerful vocals energize ‘Alanganallur’ from Kavi Arasu’s lyrics and Sathya Dev Uthayasankar’s composition in the album ‘Ninnu Vilayadu.’ The track channels Tamil pride through descriptions of the bull-taming event Jallikattu.
Released: April 10, 2024
Alanganallur
Kaviarasu | Senthil Ganesh • From “Ninnu Vilayadu”
Alanganallur Lyrics Translation (from “Ninnu Vilayadu”)
Kavi Arasu writes that participants treat bulls like family deities. Lines describe farmers’ year-round dedication shown in the arena, resulting in unmatched communal joy. Preparation includes ritual bathing and gathering crowds before the contest.
Hey Alanganallur JallikattuHey, it’s the Alanganallur ‘Jallikattu’.
Kaala Azhaga Varuthu ThullikittuThe bull comes leaping beautifully.
Palamedu JallikattuIt’s the Palamedu ‘Jallikattu’.
Thamizhan Prambaraike Kallu VettuIt’s a testament engraved in stone for the Tamil lineage.
Enga Jallikattu Jallikattu KaalaiOur ‘Jallikattu’ bull,
Nanga Kumbudura Kula Saami PolaIs like the family deity we worship.
Athu Kalathula Vilayadum VelaWhen it plays in the arena,
Enga Mannoda Perumaiya PolaIt represents the pride of our soil.
Indha Santhosatha Minji VidaTo surpass this happiness,
Vera Ethuvum IllaThere is nothing else.
Alanganallur JallikattuAlanganallur ‘Jallikattu’.
Kaala Azhaga Vilaiyaadum MallukattuThe bull wrestles beautifully in the sport.
Yei Manju Viratu Nu Vandha PothumHey, once the ‘Manju Virattu’ festival arrives,
Nanga Kanji Kooda Kudika MaatomWe won’t even sip our gruel.
Kaalai Poluthu Vidiyum VaraiUntil the morning dawns,
Nanga Iravu Muluthum Thoonga MatomWe won’t sleep the entire night.
Kaalaiya Kulipaati Pottu VaipomWe’ll bathe the bull and place the vermilion mark.
Ilangaalaiyar Kootatha Kooti VaipomWe’ll gather a crowd of young men.
Usurukku Melaga Aasai VaipomWe value it more than our own lives.
Petha Pullaiku Eedaga Pasam VaipomWe show affection equal to our own born children.
Kutty Yaanai Vandi Ivan VeerathodaHe arrives with the bravery of a young elephant.
Kaalai Varum Jallikattu KootathulaWhen the bull enters the ‘Jallikattu’ crowd,
Aatathodu Maalai VarumVictory garlands will come along with the game.
Hey Alanganallur JallikattuHey, it’s the Alanganallur ‘Jallikattu’.
Kaala Azhaga Varuthu ThullikittuThe bull comes leaping beautifully.
Kombu Seevuthu KaalaThe bull sharpens its horns.
Thonda Urasidu TholaIt grazes its throat against the earth, friend.
Thota Thuvachidum AalaIf you touch it, it’ll thrash you.
Sikkuna Sitharidum MoolaIf you get trapped, you’ll be shattered to pieces.
Kita Kita Kita Kita VarathaDon’t come too close, close, close.
Kita Kita Kita Vanthu SikikidathaDon’t come close and get yourself caught.
Vadamo Vaadiyo Kaalai VanthaWhether it’s the gate or the rope, when the bull comes,
Avan Ulagame Athu Than OyamataanThat is his world, and he won’t tire.
Idamo Valamo Kita VanthaIf you approach from the left or right,
Evan Uyiraum Eduka Thayanga MaatanHe won’t hesitate to take anyone’s life.
Kaiya Usathi Thunda SuthaIf you raise your hand and twirl the towel,
Kalathuku Kaalai Paanju VarumThe bull will pounce into the arena.
Pathu Peru Katti NinnalumEven if ten people stand to block him,
Kattam Katti Kalati VidumHe will round them up and shake them off.
Valavthavan Uzhaipa Kalathula KaatumIt shows the rearer’s hard work in the arena.
Vaanathil Mithakira Santhosatha OotumIt feeds us a joy that floats in the sky.
Thulli Thulli Paayurathil Killadi DaHe’s an expert at leaping and pouncing, man.
Endha Kombanum Nikanum Thalladi DaEven the toughest guy has to stagger back, man.
Namma Alanganallur JallikattuOur Alanganallur ‘Jallikattu’.
Kaala Azhaga Varuthu ThullikittuThe bull comes leaping beautifully.
Palamedu JallikattuPalamedu ‘Jallikattu’.
Thamizhan Prambaraike Kallu VettuIt’s a testament engraved in stone for the Tamil lineage.
Enga Jallikattu Jallikattu KaalaiOur ‘Jallikattu’ bull,
Nanga Kumbudura Kula Saami PolaIs like the family deity we worship.
Athu Kalathula Vilayadum VelaWhen it plays in the arena,
Enga Mannoda Perumaiya PolaIt represents the pride of our soil.
Indha Santhosatha Minji VidaTo surpass this happiness,
Vera Ethuvum IllaThere is nothing else.
Alanganallur JallikattuAlanganallur ‘Jallikattu’.
Kaala Azhaga Varuthu ThullikittuThe bull comes leaping beautifully.
Alanganallur Music Video
The ‘Ninnu Vilayadu’ album uses Jallikattu lyrics meaning to frame cultural devotion. Joy from the bull-taming event represents Tamil identity more than any other experience, per the translation.