Kerala is a paradise on earth with its lush green spread, attracting the whole world to taste the bliss of pure and unadulterated nature. Apart from its breathtaking beauty and scenic locations, Kerala is very proud of its rich and vibrant culture and traditions that are perfectly reflected in its people, architecture, art forms, cuisines and especially festivals. Kerala, which is deemed the ‘Land of Festivals’, has a handful of festivals celebrated throughout the year with great pomp and grandeur. The festivals, rituals, and ceremonies of Kerala still follow the Malayalam Calendar. Kerala festivals are not just celebrations; it is also regarded as occasions for remembering and honouring the traditions passed down by our ancestors.
The picture of beautifully caparisoned tuskers is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about Kerala Festivals. Elephants are an inherent part of Kerala culture and are treated with much respect in Kerala. It is the presence of richly adorned elephants that gives a majority of the traditional festivals of Kerala a touch of grandeur and glory.
The famous Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur district of Kerala hosts the Aanayoottu, a ritualistic feeding ceremony of elephants every year in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam, which falls between July and August, that takes place inside the premises of the famous temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. Over 50 unadorned elephants are arranged in a single row, and thousands of people stand facing them, eagerly waiting to feed these humble beasts. The special feed for the elephants is prepared following the Ayurvedic principles using rice, coconut, sugarcane, ghee, and jaggery, which are mixed with Ayurvedic medicines and fruits. Much prior to the feeding ceremony, the Mahaganapathi Homam will be conducted. The youngest elephant among the herd will be fed first according to the ritual and tradition.
What you Experience:
It is really a wonderful experience to see a large number of giant, yet humble tuskers together, lined up in a single row, waiting to be fed. And if you are an elephant lover, this will be an unforgettable treat for you. Beyond that, the divinity of the Vadakkumnathan Temple adds to the whole ambience of the ceremony. One could see the contentment that vibrates on the faces of these lovely beasts after feeding them, and that feeling you cannot express in just words.
The speciality of the festival:
Feeding the elephants is considered a very auspicious thing in Kerala. The main aim of conducting Aanayoottu, or the ceremony of feeding the elephants every year, is to enhance the well-being of the domesticated elephants. The main speciality of this festival is that the devotees believe that worshipping the elephants and feeding them with delicious and healthy food is a way to satisfy the Hindu God Lord Ganesha, who in turn bestows his blessings upon them.
Location: Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur district of Kerala State, India.
Getting there:
- By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Vadakkumnathan Temple, which is situated at a distance of 51.8 Km.
- By Rail: Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Vadakkumnathan Temple, which is situated at a distance of 1.7 Km.
- By Road: Vadakkumnathan Temple is easily accessible via road by bus, cabs, and autorickshaws. Thrissur Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Vadakkumnathan Temple, which is just 900 m away.
