As the season for the sport gets underway, it may look like any other sport, but there is more to the bull-taming than you know. Here are some interesting facts
Jallikattu is primarily connected to agriculture and celebrated during Pongal. Photo Courtesy: File pic
The Jallikattu season got underway in Tamil Nadu on January 3 and this is only the start for a bull-taming sport that is held annually and is extremely popular across the southern state. With not only the thrill on display but the winners also receiving a prize on completing it.
With every Indian state boasting of unique sports of their own, Jallikatt is also unique in its own way.
Here are some fascinating facts about the sport:
Origin of Jallikattu
The bull-taming sport is known to originate more than 2,000 years ago during the Indus Valley Civilisation, and holds a special place in the land of Tamil Nadu for many different reasons.
The sport basically needs the bull-tamer to hold on to the hump of the animal for a particular amount of time and distance, making them win different kinds of prizes.
Pulikulam and Kangayam are some of the more popular breeds of bulls.
Significance of Jallikattu
Primarily an agricultural sport that is celebrated during the Pongal harvest season in mid-January, it depicts strength and bravery, and was also used to select a groom in many parts of the state.
First Jallikattu of the season
Thatchankurichi Pudukkottai district holds a unique place in Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu tradition, as it customarily hosts the first event of every season.
Pudukkottai district, where the village is located, is also known for having the highest number of vaadivaasals -- designated entry points for bulls -- in the state.
Jallikattu in numbers
In 2025, around 600 bulls and nearly 350 tamers took part, attracting more than 4,500 spectators. That year, injuries were reported to 10 bull owners, six tamers, four spectators and one bull.
In 2024, the event witnessed the participation of over 700 bulls, with 22 people sustaining injuries.
Jallikattu ban and renewal
Owing to the nature of the sport, it was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 but that did not go down well with people in the state, and saw massive protests leading to the renewal in 2017/18 after the ban was lifted but with an ordinance.
The event since then has been permitted under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as amended by the Tamil Nadu Amendment Act, 2017.
According to the notification, the Jallikattu must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the state government and the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
In pop culture, Jallikattu is also a 2019 Malayam-language independent film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery that premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
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