The first references to the Bull Taming tradition of Tamil Nadu is found in Sangam Literature, which is more that 2500 years old. Bulls of Jellicut breed, known for their impressive stature and quick temper, are selected for participating in the sport. The Bull tamer try to “tame” the bull by without using any weapons and the bulls aren’t harmed unlike Spanish Bull Taming.

Every year during Pongal celebrations Jallikattu is played in different villages around Madurai. The sport is dangerous for tamer and spectators alike as angry bulls often break fences while charging but that doesn’t seem to affect the popularity of the sport.