Chennai, Jan 1 (NationPress) The government of Tamil Nadu has officially approved the inaugural Jallikattu event for the year 2026, scheduled to take place on January 3 in Thatchankurichi village, located in Pudukkottai district. This event marks the commencement of the state's annual bull-taming festivities.

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

This event is sanctioned under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as updated by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017.

The notification stipulates that the Jallikattu must be executed in strict accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.

The district administration has been directed to implement all safety protocols concerning crowd management, public welfare, and animal care, with a particular focus on disaster readiness and emergency response strategies.

The order also emphasizes that applications for conducting Jallikattu and similar traditional events must be submitted exclusively via the designated online portal. Manual applications will not be accepted, aiming to promote transparency and effective compliance monitoring.

Thatchankurichi holds a distinctive position in Tamil Nadu's Jallikattu heritage, traditionally hosting the season's opening event.

Pudukkottai district is recognized for having the highest number of vaadivaasals—designated entry points for bulls—in the state.

According to official records from previous years, the scale of the event is significant. In 2025, approximately 600 bulls and nearly 350 tamers participated, drawing over 4,500 spectators. Reports indicated injuries to 10 bull owners, 6 tamers, 4 spectators, and 1 bull. In 2024, the event featured more than 700 bulls, with 22 individuals sustaining injuries.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the Vinerpu Matha Jallikattu committee have commenced preparations for the forthcoming event. Officials emphasized prioritizing enhanced safety measures, crowd management, and interdepartmental coordination to guarantee a smooth and incident-free celebration of this cherished tradition.