The Tamil Nadu government has approved the first Jallikattu event of 2026 at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district on 3 January. This marks the formal start of the state’s annual bull-taming season. The permission has been issued through a government gazette by the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department.
Legal and administrative framework
The event has been permitted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017. The Jallikattu must follow the Standard Operating Procedures prescribed by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Applications for Jallikattu and similar traditional events must be submitted only through the designated online portal. Manual applications will not be accepted.
Safety and welfare measures
The district administration has been instructed to ensure:
- Strict crowd management.
- Public safety arrangements.
- Animal welfare compliance.
- Disaster preparedness.
- Emergency response coordination.
Officials have stressed that all departments must work together to prevent incidents during the event.
Importance of Thatchankurichi
Thatchankurichi has a special place in Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu calendar as it traditionally hosts the first event of the season. Pudukkottai district is also known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals, the designated entry points for bulls, in the state. This gives the district a prominent role in the organisation of Jallikattu events.
Participation trends and preparations
Recently, around 600 bulls and nearly 350 tamers participated, with more than 4,500 spectators present. Injuries were reported to 10 bull owners, six tamers, four spectators and one bull. In 2024, more than 700 bulls took part and 22 people were injured. Preparatory work has already begun for the 2026 event, with emphasis on safety, crowd regulation and inter-departmental coordination.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026