What is Jallikattu? The centuries old Tamilian festival which carries prize of Rs 11 lakh

The internationally acclaimed three-day Jallikattu event commenced with great enthusiasm in Madurai, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. The festival, known for showcasing Tamil culture and rural strength, is set to award the best-performing bull with a tractor worth Rs 11 lakhs, while the best bull-tamer will take home a car worth Rs 8 lakhs, along with other exciting prizes. The first event was held in the Avaniyapuram village, featuring a record participation of 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers.

The next two major Jallikattu events are scheduled in Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and 16, respectively, drawing participants and spectators from across Tamil Nadu and beyond.  

The Madurai district administration has implemented strict rules to ensure smooth conduct and safety during the events. Each bull is allowed to participate in only one of the three competitions in the district. Additionally, the bulls must be accompanied solely by their owner and a trainer familiar with the animal.
  
To participate, bull tamers and owners were required to register via the official district administration website, madurai.nic.in. Authorities thoroughly verified all submitted documents before issuing downloadable tokens, which are mandatory for entry into the event. Without this token, neither bull tamers nor their bulls can participate, ensuring that only eligible candidates take part in the event.  

The Jallikattu events in Madurai, especially those held in Alanganallur, are globally recognized as symbols of Tamil heritage, rural valour, and community pride, attracting people from across the globe.
Earlier this year, the first Jallikattu event of 2025 was held on January 4, in Thachankurichi village in the Pudukkottai district. This region is renowned for hosting the most Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu. Pudukkottai boasts the highest number of vadivasal (entry points for bulls) and annually organizes over 120 Jallikattu events, over 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) events between January and May. 
 
The event forms a crucial part of the Pongal harvest celebrations, symbolizing the close relationship between humans and livestock in Tamil agrarian culture. In fact, the references of the event dates back to 400–100 BCE, making it an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s history. It was originally played by the Ayars, an ancient ethnic group of Tamil Nadu. The term "Jallikattu" is derived from the Tamil words jalli (silver or gold coins) and kattu (tied), referring to the coins tied to the bulls’ horns as rewards for tamers.  

In 2025, Jallikattu has grown into a global cultural event while adhering to modern regulations. Improved regulations and checks of the bulls, along with safety protocols have ensured that no compromise needed to be made in the traditional essence of the event.