01:22India: Elephants indulged at holy pampering festival
Pious locals came out to the Vadakkumnathan Temple in southern India on Thursday to join in the 'Aanayoottu', a Hindu ritual where hundreds of people come to worship Indian elephants. Elephant lovers and spiritual devotees gathered at the temple in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, where they took part in special prayers, snapped pictures and gave over 50 elephants treats of specially prepared rice balls and fruits.
Vadakkumnathan Temple first started hosting the event in 1983. Festivalgoers believe that offering the elephants treats is a way to please Ganesh, the god of wealth and of the fulfilment of wishes. Elephants are considered sacred animals in Hinduism and are an integral part of Keralan culture and local festivals.
01:22Pious locals came out to the Vadakkumnathan Temple in southern India on Thursday to join in the 'Aanayoottu', a Hindu ritual where hundreds of people come to worship Indian elephants. Elephant lovers and spiritual devotees gathered at the temple in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, where they took part in special prayers, snapped pictures and gave over 50 elephants treats of specially prepared rice balls and fruits.
Vadakkumnathan Temple first started hosting the event in 1983. Festivalgoers believe that offering the elephants treats is a way to please Ganesh, the god of wealth and of the fulfilment of wishes. Elephants are considered sacred animals in Hinduism and are an integral part of Keralan culture and local festivals.