Travel News, March, 2007

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Elephant race in Guruvayur temple town

by Juhan Samuel

          Guruvayur (Kerala): Over two dozen elephants took part in the popular elephant race in Guruvayur town in Kerala. It is an annual kilometer-long race running through the thoroughfares of the tiny town and up to the revered temple. For participation in the coveted race, lots are drawn, and only a lucky few elephants get to participate. The organisers of the race made sure that the elephants were not injured during the event. "Previously, people would run along with the elephants and some time they used to inflict injuries on the animal. But now, every thing is absolutely all right. Even if the animal stretches, nothing will happen to the health of the animal," said K.C. Paniker, a veterinary doctor. A large number of tourists, many of whom are foreigners, watched the race. "It's fantastic but they wear too many chains," said Christine a British tourist. This year, Gokul, who entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Krishna Temple, first, won the race. As his trophy, Gokul will stay inside the temple till the festival is over. He will also have the honour of carrying the main deity's idol during the festival.

          Traditionally, the race marks the beginning of a ten-day long temple festival dedicated to Lord Krishna. The race is traditionally held to honour an ancient legend when the temple town did not have a single elephant. It is believed that after elaborate prayers by priests and locals, the local deity answered their requests and an elephant came out of nowhere and stayed on. The race recalls this event and prayers are held for the well being of the animals. Elephants are deeply revered in India. The elephant-headed God Ganesh is one of the most popular in the Hindu pantheon. India has an estimated 30,000 wild and captive elephants, about half of whom live in the remote northeast, bound by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Nepal.
-March 1,  2007