Kollam Pooram: Elephant arrangements complete; 26 to participate

Kollam: Preparations for elephant management at Kollam Pooram, which is scheduled to take place on April 16, have been completed, with 26 elephants set to participate in the festival.Animal conservation department will oversee elephant care and monitoring during the event. Around 11 elephants will be lined up on each side for the main display, while all 26 will take part in the Oottu (feeding ritual). Strict guidelines have been issued to ensure safety. Barricades will maintain a minimum distance of five metres between elephants and spectators, while a three-metre gap will be enforced between elephants. Feeding of elephants will begin at 11am, followed by arrangements for bathing within the temple premises for those participating in Thirumumbil Pooram and Kudamattam. Fitness verification of elephants will commence at 8am, with around 12 officials from SPCA Elephant Squad and animal conservation department deployed for inspection. Elephant owners must carry original documents, including data book, insurance papers, a fitness certificate issued within 15 days and microchip certification. The elephant's name must be displayed and the primary owner must be present during verification. Following the procession, seven elephants will be lined up on each side for Thirumumbil Pooram at 4pm. Kudamattam will be held at the ashram grounds at 6pm. The thidamba of Thamarakulam Ganapathi will be carried by Gurujiyil Sivanarayanan, while that of Puthiyakavu Bhagavathy will be borne by Puthenkulam Ananthapadmanabhan. Authorities have banned drones, poppers, DJ sound systems, beam lights and fireworks at the venue. Elephants must remain properly chained, and mahouts will undergo breath analyser tests to ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol. District animal protection officer D Shine Kumar said the measures are aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the festival.
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