Ana Yotam (elephant race) as it is called in Malayalam language marks the start of the annual festival of Guruvayur. It is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February-March) in Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayur, Thrissur District.
One of the most renowned and oldest temples in Kerala, the Guruvayur Temple is a spectacle in itself.
Although the winning elephant will not get a gold medal, it will be given the honor of carrying the thidambu (the replica of the idol of Lord Krishna) in all special occasions for a year.
