In the context of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), the Thozhuvam Pastoral Festival 2026, to be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, is being organized by the Thozhuvam Pastoral Research and Resource Centre and Thozhuvam Farmer Producer Company Ltd., with the objective of recognizing and honouring traditional pastoral communities who sustainably manage rangelands and preserve indigenous livestock heritage.
The event will include:
- Thozhuvam Jallikattu – Cultural Grand Festival featuring indigenous bulls
- Thozhuvam Pastoral Awards recognizing leaders in pastoral conservation
- Rangeland Biodiversity Exhibition in collaboration with ATREE
- Pastoral Museum Exhibition based on Sangam-era traditions
- Documentary screenings on pastoral livelihoods and rangeland ecology
- Pastoral Herders Appreciation Ceremony
The festival aligns strongly with the goals of IYRP 2026 by promoting sustainable pastoral production systems, conserving biodiversity, strengthening indigenous knowledge systems, and increasing public awareness on the ecological importance of rangelands.
