A procession with seven and a half elephants will easily confuse devotees and observers alike. That, however, is a famous ritual at the Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam. It is popular for its 'Ezhara Ponnana' procession held during the annual temple festival. 'Ezhara' means seven-and-half and 'Ponnana' means golden elephant, and the entire phenomenon refers to the fact that each of the seven elephants is two feet high and the eighth one is half their size. Legend has it that these elephants were once offered to the presiding deity by the then ruler of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. We have fascinating visuals that will virtually transport you straight into the heart of the festivities.