For centuries, elephants have been an integral part of Kerala’s rich cultural and religious traditions. Majestic and revered, these gentle giants have graced temple festivals, processions, and ceremonies, embodying a sense of grandeur and spirituality. However, the use of live elephants in these events often comes at a hidden cost—a life of captivity, grueling work, and potential cruelty. But now, a new chapter is unfolding, one where tradition and compassion walk hand in hand.
A Mechanical Marvel Arrives in Kerala
In a heartwarming move towards animal welfare, PETA India, in collaboration with Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, gifted a lifelike mechanical elephant to the Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur, Kerala. Named Kombara Kannan, this impressive creation stands three meters tall and weighs a hefty 800 kilograms. Crafted from materials like rubber, fibre, metal, foam, and steel, Kombara Kannan meticulously mimics the appearance and movements of a real elephant. It can realistically move its head, flap its ears, move its eyes, swish its tail, and even lift its trunk to spray water, making it a captivating participant in temple rituals.
This isn’t the first initiative of its kind. PETA India has previously donated mechanical elephants to other temples in Kerala, marking a growing trend towards embracing animal-friendly alternatives in religious practices. In November 2024, actor Vedika partnered with PETA India to donate a mechanical elephant to a temple in Kannur. These actions reflect a growing awareness and commitment to preserving cultural traditions while ensuring the well-being of animals.
Why Mechanical Elephants? Addressing the Cruelty of Captivity
The use of live elephants in festivals often involves significant cruelty. Elephants are typically captured from the wild, subjected to harsh training methods, and forced to endure long hours of work under stressful conditions. They are often chained for extended periods, deprived of their natural behaviours, and controlled with weapons.
PETA India emphasises that mechanical elephants offer a humane alternative, preventing the need for elephant captivity and the associated cruelties. By using mechanical elephants, temples can uphold their traditions without contributing to the suffering of these magnificent animals.
India’s Complex Relationship with Animals: Tradition, Belief, and Welfare
India has a long and complex history with animals, deeply intertwined with religious, spiritual, and cultural practices. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism advocate for ahimsa (non-violence) and respect for all living beings, with many texts emphasising vegetarianism. Animals are often seen as sacred and serve as vehicles or friends of the gods.
However, this reverence sometimes clashes with practices that can be harmful to animals. Animal sacrifices, though regulated, still occur in certain regions. The illegal wildlife trade, fuelled by demand for exotic pets and traditional medicines, poses a threat to endangered species. Traditional performances like bear dances and snake charming often involve cruelty and exploitation.
The gifting of mechanical elephants represents a positive step towards reconciling tradition and animal welfare, finding innovative ways to honour cultural heritage while promoting compassion and ethical treatment.
A Growing Movement for Animal Rights in India
The animal rights movement in India has been gaining momentum since the establishment of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1861. This movement strives to eliminate the divide between humans and nonhuman animals, end the treatment of animals as property, and abolish their use in industries like research, food production, and entertainment.
Indian laws regulate various aspects of animal treatment, including slaughterhouses, animal performances, transportation, and experimentation. However, enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources, corruption, and cultural attitudes.4.
The Path Forward: Compassion in Action
The initiative by PETA India and Anoushka Shankar is more than just a symbolic gesture. It’s a call to action, encouraging temples and communities to embrace cruelty-free alternatives and prioritise the well-being of animals.
As Satish Vimalan, Secretary of the Unnayi Variyar Memorial Kalanilayam, aptly stated, this marks a new chapter in eco-friendly religious practices. By embracing mechanical elephants and other humane solutions, Kerala can continue to celebrate its rich traditions while setting an example for compassion and respect for all living creatures. This movement promotes the importance of legal reforms, law enforcement, and education to address the causes of animal abuse in India and promote coexistence between humans and animals.
