Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Anayadi Gajamela - Pomp, Pageantry and the Pride Jumbos!

Imagine around a hundred giant caparisoned tuskers surrounded by a massive enthusiastic crowd.  Add to it the traditional ensemble and you have before you one of the most majestic sights in God’s Own Country - the Gajamela of Anayadi Pazhayidam Sri Narasimha Swami Temple in Kollam district. 

Considered as Asia’s largest elephant pageantry, this grand gala found its place in Anayadi, a small sleepy hamlet in Kerala. Admired and revered by all, this festival pictures the spirit and soul of this beautiful village. In Kerala, it is impossible to think of a festival without elephants. When such a situation prevails a hundred gutsy jumbos lined up in a temple premises with their head held high in pride and glory is certainly a spectacle to behold. The elephants are hired as offerings by the devotees to the presiding deity, Lord Narasimha, the lion-headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  

Nights speckled with vibrant fireworks and days festooned with never-ending rituals make the 10 days of the festival a splendid visual. 
Replete with shimmering illuminations, beautiful plantain and coconut leaf adornments and flowers, the temple captivates and allures everyone. As the pachyderms make their way, every single sound of the percussion is replaced by loud cheering of those gathered. 

One doesn’t often get a chance to watch a hundred tuskers on a single frame so make sure not to miss it next time!

For More Information: 
Anayadi Pazhayidam Sri Narasimha Swami Temple
Anayadi, 
Pavumba - Parakkadavu Rd
Kollam – 690561
Phone: +91 476 285 4252

Festival date: Between mid-January – mid-February