Thousands witness elephant feast ritual in Thrissur, Kerala, despite heavy rain

thehindu.com [$]

Thousands braved torrential rain to witness the annual Aanayoottu ritual in Thrissur, Kerala, where 49 elephants were fed a special feast. Devotees thronged the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple on Friday, July 17, 2026, despite heavy monsoon downpour throughout the ceremony. The elephants, unadorned, received a nutritious meal of rice, fruits, and herbs. The ritual, originating in 1982 to aid elephants after the Asian Games, is held on the first day of Karkkidakam and also serves as an observation period for selecting elephants for upcoming festivals.


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Thousands witness elephant feast ritual in Thrissur, Kerala, despite heavy rain | News Minimalist