Tamil Nadu to Begin Jallikattu 2026 with Event at Thatchankurichi

Tamil Nadu is set to begin its annual Jallikattu season in early 2026. The state government has granted permission for the first event to be held on January 3. The traditional bull-taming sport will take place at Thatchankurichi village, continuing a long-standing cultural practice under regulated and safety-focused conditions.

Why in the News?

The Tamil Nadu government has officially permitted the first Jallikattu event of 2026 to be conducted on January 3 at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district. The approval marks the formal start of the state’s Jallikattu season and outlines strict compliance with legal and safety norms.

About the Jallikattu 2026 Event

• The permission for the event was issued through a government gazette by the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department.
• The event is scheduled to be held at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district.
• Traditionally, Thatchankurichi hosts the first Jallikattu of every season, giving it a special place in Tamil Nadu’s cultural calendar.

Legal Framework and Permissions

• The event has been approved under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017.
• This amendment allows Jallikattu to be conducted as a traditional sport, subject to regulations.
• The government has made it clear that the event must strictly follow all legal provisions and court-mandated safeguards.

Safety Norms and Standard Operating Procedures

• According to the notification, the Jallikattu event must follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
• The district administration has been directed to ensure proper crowd control, public safety, animal welfare, and emergency response mechanisms, including disaster preparedness.

Transparency and Online Application System

• The government has reiterated that applications to conduct Jallikattu and similar traditional events must be submitted only through the designated online portal.
• Manual applications will not be accepted.
• This step aims to improve transparency, monitoring, and accountability, ensuring that organisers comply with all safety and welfare guidelines.

Importance of Thatchankurichi and Pudukkottai

• Thatchankurichi holds cultural importance as the traditional opening venue of the Jallikattu season.
• The Pudukkottai district is known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals in Tamil Nadu.
• Vaadivaasals are designated entry points from where bulls are released, making them central to the organisation of Jallikattu events.

Participation and Past Data

• Official data highlights the scale of the event.
• In 2025, around 600 bulls and 350 tamers participated, with over 4,500 spectators attending.
• Injuries were reported to bull owners, tamers, spectators, and one bull.
• In 2024, more than 700 bulls took part, and 22 people sustained injuries, underscoring the need for strict safety enforcement.

About Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu

• Jallikattu is a traditional bull taming sport closely associated with Tamil culture and harvest festivals, especially Pongal.
• Over the years, the sport has been at the centre of debates on tradition versus animal welfare.
• Following legal challenges, Tamil Nadu introduced amendments to allow Jallikattu under regulated conditions.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. Where will the first Jallikattu event of the 2026 season take place?

A) Alanganallur
B) Madurai
C) Thatchankurichi
D) Palamedu