Jallikattu Season Begins! Thatchankurichi Hosts 2025’s First Event

The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 was held on January 4 at Thatchankurichi village in the Gandarvakottai taluk of Pudukkottai district. This traditional bull-taming event marks the beginning of the Pongal celebrations and the Jallikattu season in the state. Over 600 bulls and 350 bull-taming participants took part in this iconic event, symbolizing Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Highlights

Event Details

• Date: January 4, 2025
• Location: Thatchankurichi village, Gandarvakottai taluk, Pudukkottai district
• Participants: 600 bulls from districts like Trichy, Dindigul, Manapparai, Pudukkottai, and Sivagangai
• Bull Tamers: 350 participants, all medically examined and issued identity cards
• Rituals: Oath-taking ceremony conducted in the presence of District Collector M. Aruna

Cultural Significance

• Jallikattu is an age-old tradition celebrated during Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival.
• The event showcases bravery, strength, and cultural pride.
• The name “Jallikattu” comes from Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied), symbolizing rewards given to tamers.

Government Permissions

• The Tamil Nadu government issued necessary permissions to organize the event.

Safety Measures

• All tamers underwent medical examinations to ensure fitness for the event.
• Identity cards were issued to participants to maintain safety and order.

Key Locations

• Ancestral Bull Breeds: Bulls from various districts such as Trichy, Dindigul, and Sivagangai participated in the event.
• Ancestral Pride: The event celebrates Tamil Nadu’s indigenous bull breeds and rural traditions.

What is Jallikattu?

• Definition: A traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, where bulls are released into a crowd, and participants try to grab the bull’s hump to tame it.
• When is it Celebrated?: During the Pongal festival in January.
• Objective: Participants aim to ride the bull or bring it under control without using weapons.
• Cultural Importance: Jallikattu is a symbol of Tamil pride, bravery, and agricultural heritage.