Watch | Thousands brave torrential rain to witness iconic Aanayoottu ritual at temple in Kerala’s Thrissur
Thousands of devotees gathered at the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, to witness the annual Aanayoottu elephant feeding ritual despite heavy monsoon rains. The event featured 49 elephants being fed a special nutritious feast.
Why it matters
The event highlights the cultural significance of traditional rituals in Kerala and the resilience of local community practices.
Ignoring relentless monsoon rain, thousands of devotees thronged the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, on Friday (July 17, 2026) to witness the annual Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants), turning this year’s (2026) ritual into a memorable ‘rain feast’.
The article provides a descriptive, observational account of a cultural event without bias.
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