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 skies seemed to mirror the spectacle below. As dark monsoon clouds gathered over the temple, 49 elephants — tuskers, female elephants and calves — lined up near the southern gopuram , their glistening black bodies standing out against the rain-soaked temple grounds. Unadorned by caparisons or festival ornaments, the elephants displayed their natural majesty, offering a rare sight in a city more accustomed to seeing them decked up for Pooram festivities.
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