First Jallikattu Event of 2026 Approved in Tamil Nadu

The “Tamil Nadu government” has granted permission for the first Jallikattu event of 2026 to be held on 3 January at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district. The approval formally signals the beginning of the annual bull-taming season in the state, which holds deep cultural and traditional significance.

Government Approval and Legal Framework

The permission was notified through a government gazette issued by the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department. The event has been approved under the provisions of the “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960”, as amended by the “Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017”. The notification mandates that the event must strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures prescribed by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

Safety, Compliance and Administrative Measures

The district administration has been directed to enforce comprehensive safety norms covering crowd management, public safety, and animal welfare. Special emphasis has been placed on disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms. The order reiterates that applications for conducting Jallikattu and similar traditional events must be submitted exclusively through the designated online portal, with manual applications expressly disallowed to ensure transparency and effective monitoring.

Thatchankurichi’s Role in Jallikattu Tradition

Thatchankurichi village, located in “Pudukkottai district”, traditionally hosts the first Jallikattu event of every season, giving it a unique place in the state’s cultural calendar. Pudukkottai district is also known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals, the designated entry points for bulls, in Tamil Nadu.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Jallikattu is regulated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act with state amendments.
• Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017, legally permits Jallikattu with safeguards.
• Vaadivaasal refers to the controlled entry point for bulls.
• District administration plays a key role in enforcement and safety compliance.

Participation Trends and Preparations

Official data highlight the scale of the Thatchankurichi event. In 2025, around 600 bulls and nearly 350 tamers participated, drawing over 4,500 spectators, with limited injuries reported. In 2024, more than 700 bulls took part, and 22 injuries were recorded. Organisers have begun preparatory work for the 2026 event, focusing on enhanced safety measures, crowd regulation, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure smooth and incident-free conduct.