Madurai’s dusty arenas roared to life this morning as the official entry of Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu, took place at Avaniyapuram. This is the start of a three-day festive spectacle in Tamil Nadu, coinciding with the harvest festival of Pongal. And the Tharai Thappattai tradition, reverberated in the air, continues to be a source of the pride and valor found in Tamil culture, with thousands cheering in the galleries.
The Avaniyapuram Spectacle
The first of the legendary Madurai events, Avaniyapuram raised the bar. Early January 16, 2026: First through the Vaadivasal (entry point) of the temple bulls won traditional honors before they officially opened the competition to the public. Today’s event enlisted over 600 bulls and close to 300 trained tamers.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | The Jallikattu competition begins in the Madurai district at Avaniyapuram pic.twitter.com/GLsGrwCfN6
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
The tamers competed for award prizes, which included gold coins and bicycles as well as household appliances and motorcycles to be presented to each who held the bull’s hump for the requisite distance. Maintains tight safety protocols and medical checks. For the safety of both participants and animals the Madurai District Administration enshrined and maintained very strict procedures:
- Double Vaccination: All tamers were asked to show proof of vaccination and be tested for fitness.
- Bull Fitness: Veterinarians watched every bull to see if they were on drugs/toxic in nature.
- Protective Equipment: The arena had a double-layered fence covering it to shield those attending, while medical units worked for instant resolution.
The Way Forward
The Palamedu and the Alanganallur. Though Avaniyapuram begins the celebrations, the excitement has only started. The Jallikattu circuit runs over the next two days:
- Palamedu (Jan. 17): Fiercely competitive and strong bulls.
- Alanganallur (January 18): The world-famous finale, drawing international tourists and high-profile dignitaries.
Cultural Significance
Jallikattu, or Eru Thazhuvuthal, is not just a game but an essential method for maintaining indigenous cattle breeds. The event encourages farmers to keep high quality stud bulls with all the strength on display in their herds, saving the native lineage like Kangayam and Pulikulam.
