Tamil Nadu's 2026 jallikattu season commenced with the first event held at Thatchankurichi village in Pudukottai district on Saturday, January 3. The traditional bull-taming festival saw approximately 600 bulls and 300 tamers participate. Ministers S. Regupathy and Siva V. Meyyanathan inaugurated the event, with strict safety measures including over 250 police personnel, medical teams, and veterinary staff ensuring the well-being of participants and bulls.