Elephants in Kerala culture

Since 1986, Asian elephants have been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be between 25,600 and 32,750 in the wild.

People mounted on the elephants hold tinselled silk parasols ("muttukuda") up high, swaying white tufts ("vencamaram") and peacock feather fans ("alavattam") to the rhythm of the orchestra.

[4] Seventeen elephants are engaged for the daily ceremonial rounds to the accomplishment of Pancari Melam in Kudalmanikyam temple.

In the monsoon season, the elephants undergo Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments which include decoctions with herbs, etc.

To avoid the troubles a tamed elephant may face in the wild, special arrangements were made by the forest-wildlife departments of the Government of Kerala, to ensure a smooth transition.

[8] These animals have to endure long and noisy parades, loud firecrackers, may need to stand near flames, travel long distances in open shabby vehicles and walk on tarred roads in the scorching sun for hours, denying even food, water and sleep, in the name of religion and tourism promotion.

[8][9] Biologist V. Sridhar accuses temple boards of greed and coercing aggressive elephants unsuited to such tasks by going to the extent of hobbling them even with spike chains on their forelegs.

He further claims that due to the increasing work load, elephants in their prime (20–40 years of age) seem to be dying prematurely.

Thrissur Pooram, Nenmara Vallangi Vela are some of the famous festivals in kerala in which more decorated elephants are used for procession.