Event Information

This event, featuring the largest land mammals in a surprising contest of speed, marks the beginning of the annual ten-day Guruvayur Festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).

Legend has it that this tradition originated during the era of the ancient Zamorin and the King of Cochin. What began as a conflict between leaders has transformed into a cherished ritual. The elephants, weighing nearly 12,000 pounds, race to determine which one will carry the Thidambu, the replica of the idol of Guruvayoorappan, during special occasions for the following year.