Wed Jul 16 14:22:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:
**Summary:**
The annual Aanayoottu (elephant feeding ceremony) and Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi homam will be held at the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur, Kerala, on Thursday, coinciding with the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. This year’s event is particularly special as it includes the Gajapooja (elephant worship), which takes place only once every four years, and features a significant number of female elephants among the participants. Extensive preparations are underway to manage the crowds and ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the ceremonies.
**News Article:**
**Thrissur Gears Up for Auspicious Aanayoottu and Gajapooja at Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple**
**Thrissur, Kerala – July 16, 2025:** Thrissur is buzzing with excitement as the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple prepares to host its annual Aanayoottu (elephant feeding ceremony) and Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi homam on Thursday, marking the start of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. This year’s event promises to be exceptionally grand, as it coincides with the rare Gajapooja, a special elephant worship ceremony held only once every four years.
The ceremonies, led by the temple’s chief priest, are performed to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha for prosperity and well-being. Devotees will witness the elaborate Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam, during which a massive offering prepared with thousands of coconuts, kilograms of jaggery, ghee, flattened rice, rice flowers, honey, and Ganapathi naranga will be made.
The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Aanayoottu, where over 70 elephants, including nine female elephants, will be ceremoniously fed near the Thekke Gopura Nada. The magnificent creatures will be offered rice balls, herbal mixtures, sugarcane, watermelon, jackfruit, ripe plantains, and cucumber. Seven elephants from the renowned Guruvayur Devaswom will also participate in the procession, adding to the spectacle.
“Elephants are revered as living embodiments of divine strength,” explained a temple representative. “The Aanayoottu is a symbolic offering and a prayer for good fortune.”
To ensure the smooth flow of devotees and manage the large crowds expected, authorities have constructed a temporary flyover near the temple’s western entrance. Elephants will enter through the west nada and exit through the east nada to maintain order and safety. Security measures are also in place to ensure the well-being of both the elephants and the public.
First Piper 