PATHANAMTHITTA, FEB 21. A unique show in which elephants performed puja to venerate Vanadevata, the goddess of forests, was organised by the Forest Department as part of an eco-tourism project at the Elephant Camp in Konni on Sunday.
The Additional Deputy Conservator of Forests, Sanjayan Kumar, told The Hindu that the programme aimed at creating awareness about forest conservation and eco-tourism.
Five elephants performed puja to the goddess. Two calf elephants, Kalpana and Surendran, were given a bath by the pachyderms Meena, Priyadarshini and Renji and they lined up in front of a peepul sapling representing the Vanadevata. The puja began with the elephants encircling the sapling. The calf elephant Kalpana carried water in a `kindi,' flowers and other articles for the puja. She garlanded the sapling, performed `arati' and broke a coconut.
The other calf elephant, Surendran, offered flowers to the people, marking the culmination of the event.
Mr. Sanjayan Kumar said the `gaja puja' in Mudhumali sanctuary in Tamil Nadu was a similar event.
He said the puja signified the protection of forests from poaching and tree-felling.
The elephant ritual will be held at the Konni camp on all Sundays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
