തെച്ചിക്കോട്ടുകാവ് രാമചന്ദ്രൻ Thrissur pooram | Thechikottukavu Ramachandran | Elephant in Kerala

Thrissur Pooram is the largest and most popular among all Poorams (temple festivals). From the year 2011, Ramchandran does the Poora Vilambaram which marks the beginning of Thrissur Pooram. Poora Vilambaram is a custom where the south entrance gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, which hosts the Thrissur Pooram, will be pushed open. After the 2019 incident in which Ramachandran trampled two persons to death, the animal was banned from being paraded at temple festivals after a panel of medical experts declared it medically unfit. The famed elephant was given conditional nod on Saturday to participate in the famed Thrissur Pooram after the animal cleared the fitness test. The clearance to the government was given after a team of three veterinarians conducted the medical examination of the tusker.

The team had also submitted a report to the Thrissur collector T.V. Anupama stating that the elephant was fit to participate in the "Vilambaram" ritual as part of 'Pooram'.

The main event of the 'Pooram' begins with the 10.5-foot tall elephant pushing open the southern entrance gate of the ancient Vadakkumnathan temple here, with the idol of 'Neithilakkavilamma' atop it, symbolising the start of the festivities.

After the Kerala High Court refused to intervene in the matter, the State Government had sought legal opinion from Additional Advocate General Renjith Thampan on the matter, who advised the government that the tusker can be permitted for participating in 'Pooram' festival only with certain restrictions. If any untoward incident occurred, the elephant owners should take its responsibility.

Among the restrictions imposed on the use of the elephant were; It can take part in the ritual only for an hour from 9.30 am; four mahouts should escort the animal and barricades should be constructed on a 10-metre radius to prevent people from getting closer to the jumbo.

Meanwhile, the city is under a thick security cover with 3,500 policemen being deputed on duty till May 14. Senior police officials have imposed a temporary ban on carry bags in and around the temple vicinity. Bomb and dog squads would be deployed during the festival. People staying in lodges and hotels would be under surveillance