The annual Ezhara Ponnana procession at the Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam is one of the most captivating sights associated with Kerala’s temple festivals. Ezhara Ponnana translates to seven-and-a-half golden elephants, representing seven two-foot-high elephants and one additional elephant standing at just one foot tall, collectively known as the 'seven-and-half elephants.'

Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February – March), the festival's highlight is the night procession of these golden elephants on the eighth day. The festival concludes with the Aaraattu ceremony on the tenth day, which falls on the Thiruvathira asterism. The procession also features caparisoned elephants and a traditional temple orchestra, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, renowned for its ancient murals, including a notable depiction of Nataraja in the gopuram, holds a significant place in Kerala’s cultural and religious landscape. According to legend, the Pandavas and sage Vyasa worshipped at this temple, further enhancing its historical importance.

The temple's annual festival, featuring the Ezhara Ponnana, is celebrated with great fervor. The ten-day festival, commencing in Kumbham (February/March), includes the Aaraattu procession, elephant pageantry, and cultural performances.

The procession of the golden elephants is a night event on the eighth day of the festival. On the tenth day, the Aaraattu ceremony is held during the Thiruvathira asterism. The caparisoned elephants and traditional temple orchestra add a vibrant touch to the festivities.

Legend has it that the golden elephants were offered to the temple deity by the Travancore ruler, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. These golden elephants, made from jackfruit wood and covered with nearly thirteen kilograms of gold, are kept in the temple vault and displayed once a year during the festival.

The Ezhara Ponnana Darshanam (ceremonial sighting) is perceived as a symbol of luck and is the high point of the festival. Taking place at midnight on the eighth day, this grand spectacle, featuring the golden statuettes alongside caparisoned elephants and traditional temple orchestra, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reflecting Kerala's rich religious and cultural history.