An Encounter with Majestic Elephants in Kerala

As if there weren’t enough reasons to visit Kerala already. Its wind-swept cities, pristine beaches and relaxing spa treatments have put this exotic Indian state on the world map. Add to these the charms of its backwaters and any vacation can turn into an ethereal experience as you take in the glittering lakes and streams, the swaying coconut trees and the lush, lush greens as far as the eye can see. No wonder it is better known as God’s Own Country! For the uninitiated, Kerala is also a great culinary, cultural and traditional hub with a rich and diverse history, language and literature. Several of its prosperous cities play host to a variety of festivals, shows and events, which are enough to keep the social calendar of local residents and travellers booked through the year. One such event which can be a spectacle of great magnificence or delight (depending on your age) is the annual Paripally Gajamela, organised in the town of Paripally every year in the month of March, about 48 kilometres north of the state capital, Thiruvanthapuram.

This Gajamela or elephant fair is part of a 10-day long annual fest that takes place at the Koodimotil Bhadrakali Temple and will be held on March 3 this year. While this festival in itself is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the state, there are several cultural events that are organised here during this time. The most spectacular of the events perhaps is the Paripally Gajamela, which is saved for the grand finale. On the 10th and final day of the festival, a herd of as many as 50 to 100 elephants are brought here in a show of grandeur. But this is not any ordinary herd of elephants; these are majestic beasts adorned from their tusks to tails in silk, jewels and body paint. The finishing touch is the beautiful silk parasol on their backs that are proudly held in place and skillfully exchanged with one another on cue by well-trained mahouts.

The gajas or elephants are primarily brought here as a nercha or offering to Goddess Bhadrakali in the belief that the ritual will bring prosperity and affluence. The procession of caparisoned elephants is accompanied by a panchvadyam, an orchestra consisting of five musical instruments, to the beat of which the mahouts display their antics. Vastly promoted by the state as a must-see for tourists, the fair is everything it promises to be and more. While adults are sure to find it a visual treat, the festival has a special draw for kids, for obvious reasons. However, since it is a religious event and held within the precincts of the temple, visitors are cautioned to obey the temple rules at all times during the fair.

Those visiting Kerala around this time can always include a visit to the sacred Koodimotil Bhadrakali temple and the Gajamela in their itinerary. Tourists can also use this opportunity to visit other local spots including several ancient temples and places of beauty in and around Paripally on this trip.

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