Time up for the big feast

Seen in the video are elephants lined up for Aanayoottu, an interesting ritualistic ceremony, held annually at the Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur (former Trichur) district of Kerala, India.

Aanayoottu
Aanayoottu literally means feeding the elephants with specially prepared food. The food comprises of rice mixed with molasses, ghee and turmeric powder. Coconut, sugarcane, cucumber, pineapple, and bananas are some other delicacies. The meal concludes with Ashtachoornam, an ayurvedic herbal digestive powder.

Monsoon
The feast is held on the first day of the month of Karkidakam (July-August), according to the Malayalam calendar. The month of Karkidakam that falls during monsoon season is considered ideal for all kinds of rejuvenation therapies in ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine. Perhaps, Anayoottu would be the largest of its kind in the world. Thousands throng to the ancient Vadakkumnathan Temple to witness this singular event.