Tamil Nadu Approves First Jallikattu Event of 2026 at Thatchankurichi

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. The approval formally marks the beginning of the annual bull-taming season in the state, an event deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s cultural and traditional heritage.

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Tamil Nadu Approves First Jallikattu Event of 2026 at Thatchankurichi

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 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017.

The notification clearly states that the event must strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 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 strict safety norms covering:

• Crowd control and public safety
• Animal welfare and veterinary supervision
• Disaster preparedness and emergency response

To ensure transparency and effective monitoring, the order reiterates that applications for Jallikattu events must be submitted only through the designated online portal, with manual applications strictly prohibited.

Thatchankurichi’s Role in Jallikattu Tradition

Thatchankurichi village traditionally hosts the first Jallikattu event of every season, giving it a special place in Tamil Nadu’s cultural calendar. Pudukkottai district is also known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals in the state.

A vaadivaasal is the controlled entry point from where bulls are released during the event, playing a crucial role in ensuring order and safety.

Participation Trends and Preparations

Official data show the scale of the event:

• 2025: Around 600 bulls, 350 tamers, and over 4,500 spectators
• 2024: More than 700 bulls participated, with 22 injuries reported

Preparations for the 2026 event are already underway, with organisers focusing on enhanced safety protocols, crowd regulation, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure smooth conduct.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• First Jallikattu event of 2026 will be held on January 3
• Venue: Thatchankurichi village, Pudukkottai district
• Jallikattu is permitted under Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017
• Vaadivaasal is the controlled entry point for bulls
• District administration ensures safety and compliance

Question & Answer

Q1. Where will the first Jallikattu event of 2026 be held?
(a) Alanganallur
(b) Madurai
(c) Thatchankurichi
(d) Palamedu
Answer: Thatchankurichi

Q2. Under which law is Jallikattu regulated in Tamil Nadu?
(a) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
(b) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
(c) Indian Penal Code
(d) Animal Birth Control Rules
Answer: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Q3. Which amendment legally permits Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu?
(a) Tamil Nadu Act, 2015
(b) Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2016
(c) Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017
(d) Tamil Nadu Cultural Act, 2018
Answer: Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017

Q4. What does the term ‘vaadivaasal’ refer to in Jallikattu?
(a) Arena for spectators
(b) Rest area for tamers
(c) Entry point for bulls
(d) Veterinary enclosure
Answer: Entry point for bulls

Q5. Which authority is primarily responsible for enforcing safety measures during Jallikattu?
(a) State Election Commission
(b) District administration
(c) Municipal Corporation
(d) Sports Authority of India
Answer: District administration

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