Thrissur: Announcing the beginning of Kerala's biggest temple festival, Thrissur Pooram, magnificent tusker Thechikottukavu Ramachandran was paraded at the Vadakkunnathan temple here on Sunday amid tight security. The ceremony known as 'pooram vilambaram' (festival proclamation) was held between 9.30am and 11am on the eve of the main event of the Thrissur Pooram.

The 54-year-old tusker was taken to the Thekkinkadu maidan under tight security in a vehicle around 9.30am on Sunday. After its grand welcome to the temple, Ramachandran received the idol of 'Neithilakkavilamma' from another elephant Devidasan. Symbolising the start of the festivities, the tusker pushed open the southern entrance gate of the ancient Vadakkumnathan temple here after paying obeisance to the presiding deity.

The main event of the 'pooram' began as soon as the 10.5-foot tall elephant opened the temple door.

Thousands of devotees who thronged the nearby Thekkinkadu Maidan witnessed this.

Teeming crowds

Unlike past years, unusually large crowd had gathered around the Vadakkunnathan temple to see Ramachandran, the tallest elephant in the state. Hours before the commencement of the pooram, the participation of Ramachandran was uncertain as the authorities had not given the nod over safety concerns.

Though the police had arranged all necessary arrangements as District Collector T V Anupama directed, some tried to cross the barricade to reach near the ageing elephant. The police had a tough time to control the mob while the ceremony was carried out.

The elephant was insured for Rs 2.10 crore for its mere attendance for today's event.

Belated nod

Ending four days of uncertainty, Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran was given conditional nod on Saturday to participate in the Thrissur pooram after the animal cleared the fitness test. The clearance was given after a team of three veterinarians conducted the medical examination of the elephant.

The team had also submitted a report to the Thrissur collector stating that the elephant was fit to participate in the "vilambaram" ritual as part of 'pooram'.

Among the restrictions imposed on the use of the elephant were: It can take part in the ritual only for an hour from 9.30am; four mahouts should escort the animal and barricades should be constructed on a 10-metre radius to prevent people from getting closer to the jumbo.

Since 2014, this elephant has been been performing the ritual and has a big fan following in the state.

However, after two persons were killed by the animal during a house-warming celebration in Guruvayur in February this year, the district administration had imposed a ban on its participation in festivals.

After the Kerala high court on Friday refused to intervene in the matter, the state government had sought legal opinion from Additional Advocate General Renjith Thampan on the matter.

He had advised the government that the tusker can be permitted for participating only in 'pooram' festival with certain restrictions.

The jumbo, which is partially blind in the right eye, is said to have killed 13 persons, besides two elephants.

Town under watch

The annual 'pooram' festival, considered as the mother of all temple festivals in the state, is known for its colourful fireworks extravaganza and display of caparisoned elephants.

The festival falls on May 13 this year and comes to an end the next day.

Meanwhile, Thrissur, the state's cultural capital, is under a thick security cover with 3,500 policemen being deputed on duty till May 14.

Senior police officials said no carry bags would be allowed and bomb and dog squads would be deployed during the festival.

People staying in lodges and hotels would be under surveillance.

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