The Njangattiri Aanayoottu is a grand annual ceremony held at the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple in Pattambi, Palakkad district, where a special feast is prepared for elephants. This ritual, known as Aanayoottu, involves feeding elephants with specially medicated food. Based on Ayurvedic principles, the ceremony takes place during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July/August), a time traditionally regarded for rejuvenation. This Ayurvedic tradition extends to elephants as well, ensuring their well-being and health.

On the festival day, elephants are lined up in the temple premises and offered a feast prepared following Ayurvedic principles. This ritual is not only a treat for the elephants but is also considered auspicious in Hindu mythology and culture, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and bringing good fortune. Devotees throng the temple premises to participate in the feeding ceremony, which begins with the youngest elephant being fed first, as per tradition.

The Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple is one of the 108 Durga temples erected by Parashuram and is revered for its serene ambiance, being situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. The temple holds significant historical and mythological importance, with legends suggesting that bathing in the river here is equivalent to bathing in the Ganges.

The Aanayoottu ceremony starts with Mahaganapathi Homam, a ritual to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The main priest of the temple feeds the first elephant, marking the beginning of the feeding ceremony. The elephants are not adorned as they are in other temple festivals, highlighting the focus on their health and well-being. The spectacle of dozens of elephants perfectly lined up in a row, eagerly awaiting their feast, is a treat for the eyes and a unique cultural experience.

The festival also features other rituals like Niramala and Ashtadravya Mahaganapathyhomam. These rituals, along with the Aanayoottu ceremony, emphasize the importance of the well-being and health of the elephants, which are considered manifestations of Lord Ganesha in Kerala’s temple rituals. The participation of the community and the devotion displayed during the festival make it a memorable and cherished event in the cultural calendar of Kerala.

Participating in the Njangattiri Aanayoottu is a unique experience, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. The sight of elephants lined up in a single row, eagerly receiving their feast, is a splendid visual treat. The absence of decorations on the elephants, focusing solely on their health and well-being, adds to the authenticity of the event. Devotees and visitors leave with a sense of fulfillment and joy, witnessing the happiness of the elephants on this special day.

The Njangattiri Aanayoottu is not just a festival but a sacred custom of Kerala. Elephants, regarded as manifestations of Lord Ganesha, play a crucial role in Kerala’s temple rituals. Feeding them is considered an auspicious act to please Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove obstacles from one's life. The main aim of the Aanayoottu ceremony is to enhance the well-being and good health of the domesticated elephants, ensuring they are nurtured and cared for with special medicated food.