THRISSUR: Pouring rain welcomed visitors who gathered to witness the much-awaited Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants), a ritualistic festival at Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur on Tuesday, the first day of the Malayalam month Karkkidaka. In the 36th Vadakkumnathan Aanayoottu conducted on the temple premises, 49 elephants from different parts of the state, took part.
Many came to offer prayers as elephants are considered a form of Lord Ganesha. According to Madhavankutty, president of Thiruvambady Devaswom, "The preparations for the Aanayoottu began days before. Each elephant has been given 5 kg of cooked rice, turmeric power, ghee and other herbal medicines." As per the ritual, the youngest elephant among the herd will be fed first.
Payyapillly Madhavan Namboothiri, the main priest of the temple, gave the first rice-ball to the elephant Variyath Jayarajan. He was followed by Agriculture Minister V. S. Sunilkumar and Sub-collector Renu Raj. Other prominent personalities in the city also took part.
Mahaganapathihomam was also conducted in the morning while 'Annadanam' for more than 5000 people is also ready to serve. A team of 12 veterinary surgeons led by Dr Giridas and Dr Rajeev examined the elephants before the event. The elephants were secured with a barricade while devotees were allowed to give food to the elephants. Police personnel were deployed to take control of the situation.