God’s Own Country appeals to a wide range of tourists with its fascinating culture and heritage. It is a fact that those who have visited Kerala once in their lives will never forget the world of ecstasy and friendliness it offers. Kerala is a treasure trove of countless festivals that reflect the vibrant culture and traditions of this quaint little state of India.
Despite Kerala’s progress, Keralites still follow the Malayalam Calendar to celebrate their festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. And the Keralites celebrate these festivals with great respect and fervor as per the traditions left behind by their ancestors.
Aanayoottu is a variety festival which is unique to Kerala that involves feeding of elephants with medicated food. This ceremony is conducted every year for the well-being and good health of the elephants. The Malayalam month of Karkkidakam which is the month of rejuvenation is considered as the most ideal time to conduct Aanayoottu Festival. Njangattiri Aanayoottu is one of the famous Aanayoottu Festival in Kerala, which is held annually at Njangattiri Bhagavathy Temple in Pattambi, Palakkad district.
On the festival day, the elephants are lined up in a row at the temple premises for the grand feast which is prepared by following the principles of Ayurveda. Swarms of devotees gather at the temple premises to feed the elephant which they believe to be auspicious. After the Mahaganapathi Homam, the feeding ceremony of elephants takes place in which the youngest elephant among the herd will be fed first as per the ritual and tradition. And the main priest of the temple is the one who feeds the elephant first.
Location: Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple, Pattambi, Palakkad district of Kerala.
What you Experience:
Njangattiri Aanayoottu is a sacred custom of Kerala and to be a part of it will be a great experience to cherish. The dozens of elephants perfectly lined up in a single row is the real highlight of this festival and are a splendid treat to the eyes.
One thing you will notice here is that the elephants are not decorated as you often see in other temple festivals of Kerala. The temple premise will be swarmed with devotees who came there to feed the elephants. The happiness of the elephants makes us feel that it is the much-awaited day for them.
The specialty of the festival:![]()
Elephants are regarded as the real manifestations of Lord Ganesha and they form an inevitable part of Kerala’s temple rituals. Hence feeding them is considered as an auspicious ritual to please Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles from one’s pursuits.
The main aim of Aanayoottu ceremony is to enhance the well-being and good health of the domesticated elephants by feeding them with special medicated food.
Getting there:
By Air: Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Sree Nhangattiri Bhagavathy Temple which is situated at a distance of 64.6 Km.
By Rail: Pattambi Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Sree Nhangattiri Bhagavathy Temple which is situated at a distance of 2.3 Km.
By Road: Sree Nhangattiri Bhagavathy Temple is easily accessible via road by bus, cabs, and autorickshaws. Palakkad Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple which is situated at a distance of 58.7 Km.
Kerala is full of alluring landscapes, charming riversides, emerald backwaters, lofty mountains and unlimited adventures. Being the most attractive state of India, we suggest you to discover this awe-inspiring festival and its all alluring rituals, especially in the month of July-September that for sure will leave imprints on your soul and heart
