Sat Mar 15 17:46:55 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Bans Loud Music at Elephant Festivals Following Fatal Accident
**Malappuram, Kerala – March 15, 2025** – The Malappuram district administration has implemented new regulations banning the use of DJ music during festivals involving elephants. This decision follows a recent incident at the B.P. Angadi ‘nercha’ festival where an elephant went out of control, killing a man. Authorities cited concerns that loud music and other high-decibel sounds harm the animals.
The new rules, finalized at a meeting on Friday, March 14th, also prohibit mahouts from forcing elephants to raise their heads for spectators. Elephants are permitted to raise their heads naturally, but mahouts are explicitly forbidden from making them do so on demand.
Further restrictions include mandatory joint meetings with police, veterinary officers, and forestry officials for festivals with five or more elephants. Organizers must also erect barricades to maintain a minimum five-meter distance between elephants and spectators. Finally, applications to parade elephants at religious sites must be submitted one month in advance for review. These measures aim to ensure the safety of both elephants and festival attendees.
First Piper 