Anayoottu, an annual ritual at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur, in which more than 50 elephants are fed special food, is done to propitiate Lord Ganesha, who, according to Hindu belief, removes obstacles in one’s life.
But there is a history behind this annual ritual at the temple, say temple sources.
According to them, Kerala’s elephant pooram was selected, along with other cultural forms of the country, for display at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games held in Delhi in 1982. It was a herculean task to transport the elephants all the way to Delhi. K.C. Panicker, veterinary surgeon and elephant treatment specialist, took the responsibility with the support of authorities, devaswoms and elephant owners.
