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Sudden Lightning Strike Kills Famous Festival Elephant in Kerala
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News18•05-10-2026, 14:35
Sudden Lightning Strike Kills Famous Festival Elephant in Kerala
- •A famous 10-foot-tall male elephant popular in Kerala festivals died instantly after being struck by lightning while tied in the courtyard of its owner Rajesh Pallattu.
- •Affectionately called Gajakaustubham by lovers, the calm elephant had the prestigious honor of carrying the deity replica during the Thrissur Pooram festival.
- •Brought to Kerala from Bihar, the majestic tusker had been an inevitable part of major temple festivals across the state for over 25 years.
- •The sudden demise of the beloved elephant has cast a pall of deep grief among festival organizers and elephant lovers, who gathered to pay their respects.
Key Questions Answered
The famous 10-foot-tall male festival elephant died on the spot after being suddenly struck by lightning while tied in the courtyard of its owner, Rajesh Pallattu.
The elephant had the honor of carrying the thidamp, which is a replica of the main deity, during the night procession of the Paramekkavu temple at the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Brought to Kerala from Bihar, this majestic tusker had been an inevitable part of major temple festivals in the state for over 25 years.
