Thrissur, 26 Feb (H.S.): A 26-year-old man was injured after an elephant ran amok during the ‘Valiyavilakku’ festival at the Annamnada Mahadeva Temple in Thrissur district on Thursday morning, triggering panic among devotees gathered for the celebrations.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. while preparations were underway for the seeveli procession, a key ritual of the temple festival. According to eyewitnesses, the elephant named Akikkavu Karthikeyan became agitated while being adorned for the ceremonial procession. The animal reportedly turned aggressive when the decorative kolam (traditional ornamentation placed on the elephant’s forehead) was being handed up to be mounted.
In a sudden and unexpected movement, the elephant used its trunk to lift and fling a man who was assisting with the preparations. The injured person has been identified as Vivek (26), a native of Erayamkudi in Mambra and belonging to the Thuranelloor Mana family. Devotees and temple officials rushed to his aid immediately after the incident.
Vivek sustained injuries in the attack and was quickly transported to a private hospital in Angamaly for treatment. Hospital sources said he is under medical care, though detailed information about the extent of his injuries was not immediately available.
The unexpected outburst caused brief chaos at the temple premises, with devotees scrambling to safety. Festival organisers and elephant handlers acted swiftly to bring the situation under control. The elephant was eventually restrained and secured, preventing further injuries or damage.
Temple authorities stated that all necessary safety protocols had been followed during the festival arrangements. However, the incident has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with the use of elephants in temple festivities, especially during crowded events where large numbers of devotees gather in close proximity.
Police officials reached the spot and are assessing the circumstances that led to the elephant’s sudden aggression. The festival proceedings were temporarily disrupted but later resumed after the situation was stabilised.
Temple festivals in Kerala and parts of central Kerala, including Thrissur district, traditionally feature caparisoned elephants as part of religious rituals. Incidents of elephants turning violent during such events have periodically raised concerns over safety measures and animal management practices.
Further updates on Vivek’s condition are awaited.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
