Date: 17.07.2019
Venue: Vadakkumnathan Temple
Location: Swaraj Round, Thrissur
District: Thrissur
In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, the Vadakkumnathan Temple premises bear witness to a unique and splendid ceremony- the ‘Aanayoottu’ or feeding of elephants.
A sumptuous feast is prepared according to the standards stipulated by Ayurvedic tradition for these gentle giants. During this elaborate ceremony, elephants are lined up in a single row and are fed the specially made Ayurvedic food.
This ritual is attended by thousands from far and wide, who wait eagerly to feed the elephants. The special feed for the elephants is made of sugarcane, rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery and Ayurvedic medicines.
This festival has its roots in the belief that offering pooja and providing delicious and healthy food to elephants is a way to propitiate Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced God according to Hindu faith.
The Aanayoottu festival enjoys massive public participation and is an integral part of Kerala culture.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thrissur
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
Courtesy: Information taken from www.keralatourism.org
Link URL: https://www.keralatourism.org/event/aanayoottu-thrissur/59
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