Elephants fed sumptuous meals

The festival is conducted on the first day of the Malayalam month of 'Karkkidakam'. The elephants, aligned in a row, were given rich and sumptuous food.

A 'Gaja pooja' was also performed before Aanayoottu. People believe offering poojas and feeding elephants is a way to satisfy Lord Ganesha, a temple official said.

The festival has been organised every year for last 20 years, he said.