Paripally Gajmela: A Procession So Grand

It’s often said that when there’s an elephant in the room, it’s for good luck and protection. Especially in challenging times, they’re known to break through obstacles and crush potential problems headed our way. But what happens when these humongous creatures parade around the city? Let’s find out.

Paripally Gajmela: Elephant Festival of Kerala; Image Source: Raviz Hotels

On 1st March 2022, I decided to visit a small village named Paripally in the Kollam district of Kerala. Well, it was not a sudden decision. Being a photographer, I have always travelled to different locations that pique my interest. The colourful streets, the beautiful states laden with flora and fauna, and those vibrant festivals with numerous mythological origins have always fascinated me since I was a child. Perhaps this interest of mine provoked me to take that camera from my granny's hands. This camera took me into an entirely different dimension to capture almost every moment.

The visit to Paripally, too, had a similar reason behind it. One fine day, my mother talked about how auspicious and beneficial elephants are and not given enough importance in our country. At the same time, my father intervened and talked about how famous the Paripally Gajmela is and suggested that I visit Paripally during the festival. This visit could give me great content for my YouTube channel that features the vibrant culture of India.

Before describing what Paripally Gajmela stands for, let me take you through the village of Paripally. Located 22 kilometres south of Kollam City and 44 kilometres north of Trivandrum along NH66, the Paripally hamlet is famous for its beautiful temples. Out of all these temples, one of the most famous temples is Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakalli Temple. Managed by the Ezhava community, people from various castes participate in the festivals held in this temple. While this is considered one of the most famous temples for its vibrant utsavams, a procession called Paripally Gajmela is the main highlight. This procession is a part of the ten-day Mahotsavam and usually happens on the last day.

The annual mahotsavam held at the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Gajamela in Malayalam means elephant festival, and as the meaning suggests, the celebration is incomplete without those massive yet gentle creatures. Elephants are often considered to be the reincarnation of Shree Ganesha. The majority of the families in Kerala used to keep elephants as pets, and they also considered it a part of their family. People organised elephant pageants and processions wherein they would dedicate the elephants at the temple to make goddess Bhadrakali happy to bring peace and prosperity to the village.

The ritual of offering elephants to the deities of the temple is called nercha. Around hundred gorgeously caparisoned elephants are lined up for the procession. Apart from the grand procession, several cultural programmes are also arranged. The majestic creatures parade around with their caparisoned brilliance during the puram and vela festival.

Mahouts on top of the elephants are adorned in bright colours, carrying high tinseled silk umbrellas (muthukuda) and waving white tufts (venchamaram) and fans of peacock feathers (aalavattom) to the rhythm of the Temple Music. The excellent elephant pageant is followed by five traditional musical harmonies panchayat (instruments) that provide an emotional component of the kudamattam ritual (the synchronised shifting of the parasols on the tuskers' heads).

After coming back home, when I scrolled through the photographs, I could now realise how vast my country is and how vibrancy and cultures have been deeply embedded in our society.