As small and large festivals light up the land with the grandeur of elephant processions, the intense summer heat also accompanies them. Amid efforts to preserve the beauty and devotion of these celebrations, how much of an animal-friendly approach are we truly adopting?
Due to the extreme heat, even the working hours of Kerala's MGNREGA laborers have been adjusted. When such provisions are made for humans, shouldn’t the safety and well-being of elephants also be considered with the same compassion?
The recent elephant attack at the Manakulangara Bhagavathy Temple in Koyilandy has once again highlighted the urgency of reconsidering how we treat these majestic animals. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of three people and left many others injured. In its aftermath, discussions have intensified regarding the welfare of elephants and the responsibilities of temple administrations.
When demands arose to ban elephant processions, the High Court intervened and ruled against such a prohibition, citing the need to uphold the traditions of festivals.
As festivals featuring elephant processions continue with great fervor, the summer heat becomes even more unbearable. On one side, there is heritage and ritual preservation; on the other, human lives and animal welfare. The Koyilandy tragedy is a reminder that elephant welfare must be a priority and that festivals need to be more humane.
While preserving traditions, the health and safety of elephants should never be overlooked. Festivals are not unchangeable customs—they must evolve with time to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
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