Kerala is home to many cultural traditions, but the use of elephants during temple festivals has come under scrutiny recently, following new guidelines set by the Kerala High Court. These regulations have raised concerns among temple authorities and festival organizers, particularly for major events like the Thrissur Pooram, known for its grand elephant parades.
The Thrissur Pooram is one of Kerala's most celebrated temple festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This massive celebration requires numerous elephants, traditionally paraded as part of the rituals. But state Revenue Minister K. Rajan has warned, “If these fresh guidelines are to be implemented, then the temple festivals hitherto held will not take place.” His comments echo the fears of many who believe the traditions of these festivals are now at risk.
The High Court's ruling followed several petitions addressing the treatment of captive elephants during festivals. It highlighted the alarming fact: from 2018 to 2024, about 33% of Kerala's recorded captive elephants—around 160 out of 509—died. Clearly, these elephants were suffering due to exploitation, leading the court to view their situation as akin to “commercial exploitation” with their wellbeing often overlooked.
Stress levels among these animals have been observed to be high, compounded by the excessive demands placed upon them during these events. Traditionally, elephants would be adorned and paraded among crowds, yet the court found no significant religious mandate requiring their involvement, viewing them more as commodities for spectacle than sacred companions.
Given the cultural significance of these festivals, the impact of the court’s regulations may be substantial. New protocols require festival organizers to apply with detailed plans at least one month before the event, ensuring the elephants’ health and wellbeing during the festivities. Key restrictions include mandated rest periods of three days between exhibitions, prohibition of parading elephants on public roads during peak traffic hours, and even limitations on the transportation hours of these majestic creatures.
The court also has directed measures ensuring elephants receive adequate care, including proper food, clean drinking water, and at least eight hours of rest within any 24-hour period. This means rethinking how festivals are organized, as many officials have pointed out the sheer scale of events like the Thrissur Pooram, which historically involved over 150 elephants over 36 hours of continuous celebration.
K. Gireesh Kumar, secretary of the Thiruvambady Devasom, expressed serious concerns, saying, “Our festival is spread over 36 hours and from one side itself we need 150 elephants and if the new guidelines come, then things will not be the same at our Pooram again. We are going to implead in the case.” Such perspectives underline the challenges faced by those managing these festivals transitioning within the framework of the new regulations.
Despite the worries, this movement also reflects growing concern for animal rights within Kerala. Many activists argue for the ethical treatment of elephants, urging for new practices within this rich cultural framework to emerge.
The High Court’s ruling sheds light on the commercialization of the beloved tradition, calling for the assessment of how much of these events have become competitions among Devasoms (temple boards) focused on the grandeur of their presentations rather than the reverence of their rituals.
Among temple officials and devotees, there’s now talk of how to adapt to these changes thoughtfully. They recognize the need for reconciliation between tradition and modern animal welfare standards. Whether festivals can retain their cultural essence remains to be seen, but calls for modifications could pave the way for new festivities, maintaining both reverence for tradition and care for the elephants.
Another community response is represented by the Pooram Premi Sangham, advocating for the preservation of traditions. They are calling for urgent government intervention, raising concerns about the distortion of the festival's celebration due to regulations imposed from outside community input. Vinod Kanden Kavu of the Sangham claims there are efforts to undermine the authenticity of the Pooram, arguing, “this is not simply about the welfare of the elephants, but preserving our way of life.”
Key voices within the government, such as Revenue Minister Rajan, indicate support for revisiting these guidelines to find balance. “The state government will now see what can be done in light of the new order,” he said. Perhaps, he suggests, there’s space for dialogue between festival organizers and lawmakers.
Yet, with the High Court’s stern stance against the traditional usage of elephants, local communities have been left pondering how to honor their customs without compromising animal welfare. For many people, the Thrissur Pooram isn't just another festival; it's part of their identity. They are grappling with the dual responsibility of upholding revered traditions and ensuring humane treatment of the elephants.
Festivals like the Thrissur Pooram symbolize Kerala’s rich culture. Still, as society evolves, ensuring the wellbeing of all living beings is becoming increasingly pivotal. The next steps taken by the government and temple boards will critically shape Kerala’s festival culture and determine how traditions adapt to contemporary values on animal rights and welfare.
For now, the vibrant celebrations may face challenges, yet the underlying goal remains to honor both cherished traditions and achievement with compassion and integrity.
Can Kerala find harmony between tradition and the need for ethical practices? Only time will tell, as the conversations around these new elephant guidelines continue to evolve.
