Tiruchi’s new Jallikattu arena at Suriyur village will host its inaugural bull taming event on January 16, featuring over 800 bulls during the Maattu Pongal festival
New Jallikattu Arena Ready for Inauguration in Tiruchi
The newly constructed Jallikattu arena in Suriyur village, located on the outskirts of Tiruchi, is prepared to host its first bull taming event in 2026.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate the permanent arena on the evening of January 15, according to official sources.
The arena, built at a cost of ₹3 crore, was sanctioned by the Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development of the Tamil Nadu government. All project-related work has been completed, making the arena ready for its opening.
The arena features galleries on both sides for visitors, a ‘vaadivaasal’ for releasing the jallikattu bulls, and stages for VIPs and officials to observe the event.
The first jallikattu event in Tiruchi district will take place in Suriyur village on the second day of the Tamil month ‘Thai,’ coinciding with the ‘Maattu Pongal’ festival. Villagers of Periya Suriyur traditionally hold the event a day after the Pongal festival. This year, Maattu Pongal will be celebrated on January 16.
Event organizers are working quickly to prepare for the jallikattu event at the permanent arena. The first event is scheduled for January 16. A member of the organizing committee stated they expect over 800 bulls from various districts to participate. Double barricading has been installed in the bull run area to keep onlookers safe during the event. Barricading at the collection point is also part of the event preparations.
| Event | Date | Location | Cost | Bulls Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jallikattu Inauguration | January 15, 2026 | Suriyur Village, Tiruchi | ₹3 crore | 800+ |
| First Jallikattu Event | January 16, 2026 | Suriyur Village, Tiruchi | N/A | 800+ |
