We had an opportunity to visit the Thirunakkata Utsavam Festival and witness this passionate and lively celebration. Twenty two elephants paraded through the Thiirunakkara Mahadevar temple grounds unadorned. Then each one was caprisoned in glittering gold brocade.
Next, entered two horn and drum ensembles engaging in “melems”, trying to musically outdo each other.
The men riding the elephants carried umbrellas and large fans and performed to the music.
Several thousand spectators cheered them on .We enjoyed taking pictures of them and they enjoyed taking pictures of us. Very few Westerners there.
The event was officially opened by Bollywood superstar Jayaram.
SueBee and Kat
29 Mar 2014Fabulous shots, beautiful animals all decorated! ~SueBee
snaps22
29 Mar 2014What lovely bright elephant images. I am enjoying your Indian photos so much.
Toni and Tom
29 Mar 2014Absolutely beautiful!
travelerlynne
29 Mar 2014Reblogged this on On the Go with Lynne and commented:
Another reblog from Ron’s photos. This was an incredible cultural experience. Hope you enjoy. We are in Udaipur now and will be in the Rajastan state for a week. As our guide told us, the food and dialect changes every 100 km throughout India. The diversity is what makes India incredible.
worldtravellerjunior
30 Mar 2014Very excited to see this post. We are heading to Kerala on Friday… Any intel on other Poorams over the next week or two?
fotograffer
30 Mar 2014None that we are aware of, but the Indians love their festivals. Ask around when you get there/
anotherday2paradise
30 Mar 2014What amazing experiences you’re having on your travels! This is a spectacle of note. Great captures, Ron. 🙂
catbirdinamerica
30 Mar 2014What an amazing and spectacular experience! I love that first photo; the composition is wonderful.
commonsensegok
1 Apr 2014Clearly the Chinese have not seen these beautiful elephants. They’d not still be alive with tusks on them.
fotograffer
4 Apr 2014Luckily for the Indian elephants, their tusks are not very big. Thanks.
Madhu
12 Apr 2014Brilliant images Ron! You have managed to captured the atmosphere of a South Indian temple festival so well!
fotograffer
24 Apr 2014Thanks Madhu. The festival was a highlight of our trip.