Kollam Pooram 2024: Comprehensive Elephant Management Plan Finalized
Preparations for the elephant management at the highly anticipated Kollam Pooram, scheduled to take place on April 16, have been meticulously completed. A total of 26 elephants are set to participate in this grand festival, with the animal conservation department overseeing all aspects of elephant care and monitoring throughout the event.
Detailed Arrangements for Elephant Display and Rituals
For the main display, around 11 elephants will be lined up on each side, creating a majestic spectacle. All 26 elephants will actively participate in the traditional Oottu, which is the sacred feeding ritual. Authorities have issued strict guidelines to ensure the utmost safety for both the animals and the spectators.
To maintain a secure environment, barricades will enforce a minimum distance of five metres between the elephants and the audience. Additionally, a three-metre gap will be strictly maintained between the elephants themselves to prevent any potential incidents.
Schedule and Procedures for Elephant Care
The feeding of the elephants is scheduled to commence at 11am. Following this, arrangements have been made for bathing within the temple premises specifically for those elephants participating in the Thirumumbil Pooram and Kudamattam segments of the festival.
Fitness verification of all elephants will begin at 8am. Approximately 12 officials from the SPCA Elephant Squad and the animal conservation department will be deployed to conduct thorough inspections. Elephant owners are required to carry original documents, including the data book, insurance papers, a fitness certificate issued within the last 15 days, and microchip certification.
The elephant's name must be clearly displayed, and the primary owner must be present during the verification process.
Procession and Ritual Specifics
After the main procession, seven elephants will be lined up on each side for the Thirumumbil Pooram, which is set to take place at 4pm. The Kudamattam event will be held at the ashram grounds at 6pm.
In a significant tradition, the thidamba of Thamarakulam Ganapathi will be carried by Gurujiyil Sivanarayanan, while that of Puthiyakavu Bhagavathy will be borne by Puthenkulam Ananthapadmanabhan.
Stringent Safety Measures and Bans
Authorities have implemented a comprehensive ban on drones, poppers, DJ sound systems, beam lights, and fireworks at the venue to ensure a disturbance-free environment for the elephants. All elephants must remain properly chained throughout the event.
Mahouts will undergo breath analyser tests to confirm they are not under the influence of alcohol, adding an extra layer of safety protocol.
Official Statement on Festival Conduct
District animal protection officer D Shine Kumar emphasized that these extensive measures are specifically aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the Kollam Pooram festival. The focus remains on balancing cultural traditions with modern safety standards to protect both the majestic elephants and the enthusiastic attendees.
