Thrissur (Kerala), April 21 (ANI): A team of veterinary doctors and forest officials conducted a medical examination of scores of elephants ahead of annual festival of 'Thrissur Pooram' in Kerala over the weekend.
Officials of the state animal husbandry and forest departments checked the pachyderms and the health of their keepers ahead of the mega elephant festival that is being held on on Sunday.
The colourful festival draws hundreds of devotees, locals and foreign tourists each year. Elephants decked in temple ornaments and vibrant decorations are taken out on a parade through the streets of Thrissur.
"It is a big festival and this festival we are having- more than 80 elephants will be participating. We have an expert team to examine the elephants for their health and history. After that, we will give a health certificate for each animal. And after getting the certificate, they can participate in the 'Pooram' festival," said Giridhar, a veterinary doctor.
The local temple has also organised an exhibition of the ornaments, vibrant sashays to be worn by elephants and umbrellas with motifs for preview of visitors.
Artistes from the various parts of state are also expected to entertain visitors with their performances.
The caparisoned elephants will pass through the streets of Thrissur before reaching the Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
According to custom, over 100 caparisoned elephants take part in the public processions and during the culmination, known as Kudamattam.
The Pooram Festival is celebrated every year between late April and mid May, known as the month of Medam, in the Malayalam almanac.
King Sakthan Thampuran of the erstwhile Kochi kingdom of the state in the late 18th century is believed to have commenced the Pooram festival on a mass scale. (ANI)
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