Thrissur pooram begins in Kerala

Thrissur, May 12 : Signalling the start of Thrissur Pooram, the biggest festival of Kerala, 'Thechikode Ramachandan', the tallest elephant of Kerala on Sunday pushed open the southern entrance of Vadakkunathan Siva temple, amidst chorus of a large number of people.
For the elephant, participating in the festival was not a smooth affair as the local administration has banned 'Ramachandran' from being paraded at the event, a move that has angered the elephant owners who have threatened to boycott the event.
After a week’s suspense and arguments, the elephant was physically examined by doctors and gave fitness certificate.
Thrissur Collector T V Anupama had banned Ramachandran from any festival after a recommendation by the chief wildlife warden and Thrissur city police.
The city police said that the elephant is easily provoked and has, in the past, attacked people.
Ramachandran, the tallest captive elephant in India, has run amok in ten instances during the recent festive season, killing at least five people. The elephant is blind in the right eye, according to animal activists.
He has killed 13 people and three elephants so far.
The elephant owners association, however, alleges that by banning Ramachandran, the government is disturbing temple rituals. The association said it will pull out its elephants from the festivities.
In response, the government-backed Devaswom Boards have offered their captive elephants for rituals if needed, which in total may be over 80 elephants.
Thrissur Pooram is known for its elaborate festive rituals including a colourful competition among two rival teams atop beautifully decorated elephants.The southern entrance of the temple is opened only once a year and that is on the eve of program.
The collector has given permission to parade the elephant only one hour and the ceremony was over by 1030 hrs.
The public was not permitted to be anywhere nearby, keeping a distance of 10 metres. Despite heavy security imposed by the police, thousands of people gathered to witness the majestic ceremony.
Even though the 55-year old elephant is dangerous, he is extremely popular in Kerala with multiple Facebook pages.
The 3.22-meter-tall Ramachandran is considered as the second tallest elephant in Asia with a huge fan club and is owned by Thechikottukavu temple in the district.
Meanwhile, a sample fire works was held yesterday amidst tight security.
In view of the Easter Sunday blasts in Sri Lanka in which more than 260 people were killed, security was tightened at the festival venue where more than two lakh people are expected.
The main attraction is the parading of more than 80 elephants, an ensemble of percussion instruments and fireworks.
The festival will begin on Monday and will conclude on Tuesday.