The annual Palamedu Jallikattu witnessed strong resentment from bull owners and participants on Friday, 16 January 2026, after the event was delayed by nearly three hours, allegedly to accommodate the arrival of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Though Palamedu Jallikattu traditionally begins between 6 AM and 7 AM, bulls were released only around 10.30 AM, triggering widespread criticism from participants who had arrived at the venue in the early hours of the morning with their animals.
The competition was officially inaugurated at 9.30 am by the Deputy Chief Minister, who flagged off the event.
“Jallikattu Was Delayed Because He Came Late”
Bull owners from several districts said the delay severely disrupted the event and reduced the chances for hundreds of bulls to participate.
“We came from Thoothukudi and reached here by 4 am,” one bull owner said. “Every year, Palamedu Jallikattu starts by 6 or 7 in the morning. Today, it started only at 10 am because the Deputy Chief Minister came late. Because of that, everything got delayed.”
Another participant said tokens had been issued for nearly 1,000 bulls, but many would be forced to return without entering the arena.
“There are about 1,000 bulls here. All of them must be released. But now it is impossible,” he said. “Half the bulls have come from places like Karur and Salem. How will all of them run before evening?”
Concerns Over Time Limit and Unreleased Bulls
Participants pointed out that Jallikattu is not permitted to continue beyond 6 pm, making it unlikely that all registered bulls would get an opportunity.
“It will be difficult even to cross 5 pm,” a bull owner said. “Manjuvirattu itself will finish by 4 pm. There are still 600 to 700 bulls waiting. Many outside bulls will not be released at all.”
Bull owners also complained about inadequate arrangements for animals forced to wait for hours in the sun.
“There is no proper food or water. The bulls are standing there since morning,” a participant said. “Police are chasing and beating people at the holding area, but the bulls are not being allowed inside the arena.”
Politics Accused of Interfering With Tradition
Several participants criticised what they described as political interference in a traditional sport.
“For one full year, people wait only for Jallikattu,” a participant said. “This is not a decorative show. Bulls and players are not props that can be made to wait because a politician arrives late.”
“Jallikattu should remain a traditional sport. Politics should not be forced into this,” another bull owner said, adding that the delay had caused financial losses for those who had travelled long distances with rented vehicles and livestock.
“If the Deputy Chief Minister had come earlier, the event would have moved quickly,” he said. “Because he came late, everyone is suffering.”
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Despite the criticism, the competition continued with multiple rounds held through the day. Officials said several participants were injured during the event, though the primary concern raised by bull owners remained the delayed start and the likelihood that hundreds of bulls would be sent back without participating.
The Palamedu Jallikattu is one of the most prominent events of the Pongal season and draws participants and spectators from across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
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