Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Jallikattu Begins in Avaniyapuram
A big bull-taming event called Jallikattu started in a place called Avaniyapuram in Tamil Nadu.
It's the first of three big events for the Pongal harvest festival.
About 550 people who tame bulls and 1,100 bulls are taking part.
The event will go on for three days and many people will watch it.
The winners get cool prizes like a car and a tractor.
Doctors checked the bulls and the people to make sure they are healthy.
Lots of police are there to keep everyone safe.
Some people got hurt, but most were okay.
The next events will be in Palamedu and Alanganallur.
The first major Jallikattu event of the Pongal 2026 season began on January 15, 2026, in Avaniyapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
About 550 bull tamers and 1,100 bulls are participating in the three-day event.
The event is one of the three major Jallikattu events during the Pongal harvest festival season, with Palamedu and Alanganallur hosting the other two events on January 16 and 17 respectively.
Participants registered online to take part in the festival, and winners will receive prizes including a car and a tractor.
Over 2,200 police personnel have been deployed for security, and a digital scoreboard was introduced for the first time.
- Who
- 550 bull tamers and 1,100 bulls
- What
- Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport
- When
- January 15, 2026, for three days
- Where
- Avaniyapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Part of the Pongal 2026 harvest festival season
Animal Rights Activists
Traditionalists and Organizers
Animal Welfare
Animal Rights Activists
Critics argue that Jallikattu is cruel to animals and should be banned to prevent harm to bulls.
Traditionalists and Organizers
Supporters maintain that the event is a cultural tradition and that proper veterinary checks ensure the bulls' well-being.
- Event
- Jallikattu
- Location
- Avaniyapuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Date
- January 15, 2026
- Participants
- 550 bull tamers, 1,100 bulls
- Duration
- 3 days
- Other Venues
- Palamedu and Alanganallur
- Prizes
- Car, tractor, and other attractive prizes
- Security
- 2,200 police personnel deployed
- Injuries
- 57 people injured, 11 requiring specialized care
- Champion
- Balamurugan from Valayankulam
Sources
First among three major Jallikattu bull taming sporting events begins in TN’s Avaniyapuram
Jallikattu begins at Avaniyapuram as authorities ensure tight security and medical preparedness
Bulls roar in TN’s Avaniyapuram as first among 3 major Jallikattu bull taming sporting events begins
Bulls roar in TN’s Avaniyapuram as first among 3 major Jallikattu bull taming sporting events begins
Bulls roar in TN’s Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, best man, bull win prizes
Jallikattu explained: history, Supreme Court ban and how the bull-taming sport is played in 2026
Jallikattu 2026: Trichy celebrates Pongal with 750 bulls in bull-taming sport rooted in Tamil culture
