Elephants worship Lord Ganesha in Mudumalai

Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Aug.24 (ANI): A group of elephants on Monday worshipped Lord Ganesha at a temple in Mudumalai on the occasion of the ongoing 10-day Ganesha festival.

The unique annual ceremony is being conducted by elephants in Mudumalai Tiger sanctuary for last 25 years.

On this special day, more than 22 camp elephants are brought to the tribal Ganesha temple in a lively musical procession. The elephants are all decked up and adorned with particular ornaments.

Once the elephants reach the temple only two elephants enter the temple premises and perform the puja. They kneel down and worship lord Ganesha, followed by other elephants.

Special food is also served to all the elephants on this day.

According to a forest officer, the ceremony is performed only in Mudumalai sanctuary.

"Worship of Lord Ganesha by elephants at Mudumalai is one of the oldest. This ceremony is only performed here and nowhere else in India, as it is one of the oldest sanctuaries for elephants," said Halan, Range Officer, Mudumalai Tiger Sanctuary.

Hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad visit the place to witness unique elephant Puja (ceremony) dedicated to lord Ganesha.

"We just came here yesterday. My sister, brother-in law, my mom ..my whole family is here and it is Vinayak Chaturthi (Hindu festival)...first thing we saw here was beautiful herd of elephants with very nice tusks. We are having great time. It is wonderful for us," said Sandeep, a tourist. By Jehova G(ANI)