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Tamil Nadu's 2026 Jallikattu Season Opens Jan 3 in Thatchankurichi Village

The Tamil Nadu government has officially sanctioned the first Jallikattu event of 2026 to be held on January 3 in Thatchankurichi village, Pudukkottai district. The permission mandates strict adherence to government SOPs and requires all applications to be submitted via an online portal to ensure transparency. Thatchankurichi traditionally hosts the season's inaugural event, with Pudukkottai district known for having the most bull entry points. Organizers are prioritizing enhanced safety measures and crowd control, following previous years which saw significant participation and a number of injuries.

Key Points: First 2026 Jallikattu Set for Jan 3 in Thatchankurichi, Tamil Nadu

  • First event of 2026 season
  • Strict SOPs & online applications
  • Thatchankurichi's traditional role
  • Focus on safety & crowd control
2 min read

TN to hold first Jallikattu of 2026 on Jan 3 in Thatchankurichi village

Tamil Nadu approves the first Jallikattu of 2026 in Thatchankurichi village, Pudukkottai, with strict SOPs and online applications mandated for safety.

"The Jallikattu must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures - Tamil Nadu Government Notification"

Chennai, Jan 1

The Tamil Nadu government has granted permission for the first Jallikattu event of 2026 to be held on January 3 at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district, officially marking the beginning of the state's annual bull-taming season.

The approval was issued through a government gazette by the Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department.

The event has been permitted under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017.

According to the notification, the Jallikattu must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

The district administration has been instructed to enforce all safety norms related to crowd management, public safety, and animal welfare, with special attention to disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms.

The order also reiterates that applications for conducting Jallikattu and similar traditional events must be submitted only through the designated online portal. Manual applications will not be entertained, a measure aimed at ensuring transparency and effective monitoring of compliance.

Thatchankurichi holds a unique place in Tamil Nadu's Jallikattu tradition, as it customarily hosts the first event of every season.

Pudukkottai district, where the village is located, is also known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals -- designated entry points for bulls -- in the state.

Official data from previous years underline the scale of the event. In 2025, around 600 bulls and nearly 350 tamers took part, attracting more than 4,500 spectators. That year, injuries were reported to 10 bull owners, six tamers, four spectators and one bull. In 2024, the event witnessed the participation of over 700 bulls, with 22 people sustaining injuries.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Vinerpu Matha Jallikattu committee have begun preparatory work for the upcoming event. Officials said priority is being given to strengthening safety measures, crowd regulation and coordination among departments to ensure the smooth and incident-free conduct of the traditional sport.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I respect our cultural heritage, the injury numbers from previous years are concerning. I hope the safety measures for both people and animals are strictly enforced this time. Tradition should not come at the cost of welfare.
V
Vikram M
Pudukkottai district leading the way as always! Having the most vaadivaasals shows the deep-rooted love for this sport in our region. The move to online applications is a good step for transparency. Let's celebrate our culture responsibly.
R
Rohit P
As someone from North India, it's fascinating to read about these deep cultural traditions in Tamil Nadu. The scale is impressive – 600 bulls and 4500 spectators! Hope to witness it someday.
M
Meera T
The article mentions injuries to bulls as well. The SOPs must ensure minimal stress and harm to the animals. Our traditions can evolve to be more compassionate. Good luck to the organizers for a safe event.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how the government is managing this. The focus on disaster preparedness and online portals shows a modern administrative approach to a traditional event. A good case study in cultural governance.

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