Madurai, Jan 15, 2026: The much-awaited traditional bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, began in Avaniyapuram on Thursday, marking the first of three major events in Tamil Nadu’s Pongal 2026 festival celebrations. The event, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic participants, saw nearly 550 bull tamers test their skill and courage against the roaring bulls in what is widely regarded as a showcase of bravery and local tradition.

Nearly 1,100 bulls and participants had registered online to take part in the three-day festival, which is expected to draw nationwide attention. The remaining two major Jallikattu events will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 16 and 17 respectively, with the final winner—judged on a combination of bull and tamer performance—set to receive prizes including a car, a tractor, and other attractive rewards.

Inauguration and Security Arrangements

The event was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu’s State Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister, P Moorthi, in the presence of Madurai District Collector Pravin Kumar and other senior officials. To ensure smooth conduct of the event and public safety, over 2,200 police personnel were deployed across the venue and surrounding areas.

Event Highlights and Participation

During the second round of the Avaniyapuram event, around 200 bulls were released from the Vadivasal, the traditional starting point for taming. Among these, tamers—predominantly young men—successfully clung on to the humps of 24 bulls, demonstrating remarkable agility and courage. In the first round, however, 89 bulls were able to escape, leaving only 11 tamed, highlighting the challenge and unpredictability of the sport.

Health and Safety Measures

The organizers placed significant emphasis on animal welfare and participant safety. Prior to the event, all bulls were screened at a medical camp to ensure they were not under the influence of drugs and were fit for the rigorous sport. Four bulls were rejected on health grounds after veterinarians detected signs of anxiety, salivation, elevated temperature, or dehydration.

Veterinary experts also checked for other potential hazards, such as oil applied on the bulls’ backs, sharpened horns, and alcohol consumption, adhering strictly to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laid down in 2017. The health of male participants was also screened before they entered the arena, reflecting the administration’s concern for human safety in what remains a high-risk sport.

Digital Innovations and Record Keeping

For the first time, the district administration installed a digital scoreboard at the venue, allowing spectators to track scores and outcomes in real-time. The venue near the Bhadrakali Amman Temple on Thirupparankundram Road in Avaniyapuram saw an electrifying atmosphere, with locals and tourists gathering to witness the spectacle.

Looking Ahead: Palamedu and Alanganallur

The remaining Jallikattu events at Palamedu and Alanganallur are expected to draw even larger crowds as the festival approaches its climax. Winners from these events, along with their bulls, will be evaluated on speed, strength, and control, determining the ultimate champion of the Pongal 2026 Jallikattu season.

The Avaniyapuram event this year reinforced Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage, combining traditional sport with modern safety and monitoring measures, ensuring both animal welfare and participant protection remain paramount.