(IN) isn't this cruelty to an elephant...Kerala

[Guest guest]

Please see this news item, which came in The Hindu April 8 2008

How disturbed the poor creature will be???

 

http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/08/stories/2008040850140200.htm

 

 

KOLLAM: It is a unique Hindu ritual. Devotees chase an elephant for one hundred

metres to catch its tail.

 

The ritual is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam at the Umayanallur Sri Bala

Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in Kollam.

 

The ritual itself is named ‘catching the elephant’s tail’ (aanavaal pidi).

 

Temple authorities say the ritual has been in place in the temple for the past

1500 years.

 

It symbolises the childhood pranks of lord Bala Subramanyam and lord Ganesh.

 

Interestingly, there is no record of elephants participating in this ritual

losing their cool in spite of its tail being pestered by those chasing it. Those

participating in the ritual say they attain some kind of spiritual bliss.

 

Thousands of devotees take part in the ritual with utmost devotion.