The recent restrictions set by the Kerala High Court on elephant management during festivals have raised concerns among festival organisers in Thrissur. According to them, the new rules are so strict that they could make it impossible to hold traditional festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
Some say the guidelines are similar to a ban on the use of elephants, leading to fears that elephant parading may be eliminated, but at the cost of the festivals. Many organisers may be unwilling to challenge the new guidelines in court directly.
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New rules on elephant spacing
The court has emphasised the need for strict adherence to certain laws, orders, and judgments regarding elephant care. One key guideline is that elephants should maintain a minimum distance of three metres from each other during events. As a result, district authorities are now being instructed not to approve events like the Ezhunnallip if this three-metre distance cannot be maintained, affecting even major festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
Impact on traditional events
Organisers point out that these new restrictions will make it difficult to hold events such as Panchari Melam, which usually runs for four hours. The new proposal limits elephants to just three consecutive hours in the spotlight, meaning elephants may need to be swapped between events. This will also affect the length of other rituals, like Pandi Melam, and could lead to massive changes in traditional practices.
Temple space concerns
Many temples in Kerala face space limitations. Most cannot fit the required three-metre distance between elephants, plus an additional eight metres for instrument players, and another nine metres for spectators. This lack of space could force organisers to rethink how events are held inside the temples.
Published: 16 Nov 2024, 08:08 am IST
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