Jallikattu 2026: This is not a bloody game, it is a blood-boiling game – know everything about Jallikattu. Jallikattu 2026 All You Need To Know About Tamil Nadu’s Bull Taming Festival

Jallikattu is a very popular and adventure sport in South India, especially Tamil Nadu. This season has officially started in Tamil Nadu on 3 January. It is not just a game, thousands of years of history, culture and traditions are hidden behind it. Those who win this game of bull taming on the festival of Pongal not only get the reward but also get a lot of respect in the society. Just as every state of India has its own special sport, Jallikattu has a special identity of Tamil Nadu.

The history of Jallikattu goes back about 2,000 years. Historians believe that traces of this game are also found in the Indus Valley Civilization. It has a special place on the soil of Tamil Nadu. It is not just a means of entertainment, but a symbol of strength and courage. The participant in this game has to hang holding the hump of the bull for a fixed time or distance. The one who does this is given many types of rewards. Bulls of famous breeds like Pulikulam and Kangeyam are specially reared for this sport. It is mainly a game related to farming, which is held at the time of Sankranti in mid-January. It is said that earlier this competition was also held in many areas of the state to choose the groom.

Tachchankurichi village in Pudukkottai district has a special place in the Jallikattu tradition of Tamil Nadu. Every year Jallikattu season starts from here. This year too, the government has given permission to organize the first Jallikattu at Tachchankurichi on January 3, 2026. This is the beginning of competitions to be held across the state. Pudukkottai district has the highest number of ‘Vadivasals’ (from where the bulls come to the field) in Tamil Nadu. That is why this district has become the center of organized Jallikattu competitions.

The previous figures show the number of participants and the dangers of this sport. Many people took part in the competitions held in 2025 with more than 600 bulls. A large number of spectators also came to see it. Many people were injured during this period. Even in 2024, more than 22 people were seriously injured. In view of these figures, the government has made the safety standards even more stringent and is taking strict steps to prevent accidents.

Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 due to the sport being dangerous. But, this decision was strongly opposed by the people of Tamil Nadu. There were massive demonstrations to save our culture. Subsequently, in 2017, the Tamil Nadu government lifted the ban through an ordinance amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Now Jallikattu is conducted legally, but it is monitored by the government. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have to be strictly followed under the instructions of the State Animal Husbandry Department and veterinary authorities. It is mandatory to create separate zones for health check-up of bulls, ambulance facilities, medical team and spectators. If any rule is violated, the permission is cancelled.

The state government has taken a big decision to bring transparency in organizing Jallikattu. Orders have been given to submit applications for organizing competitions only through the online portal. Hand delivered applications are not being accepted. This digital approach makes it easy to track compliance with rules in real-time. The district administration keeps an eye on the situation in the field. This game is not just entertainment, but it is a mirror of the self-respect and rural culture of Tamil Nadu. It also has a place in pop culture. The Malayalam film ‘Jallikattu’, released in 2019, was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and was highly praised.