Elephants in musth state not allowed, mahouts required to produce RT-PCR negative result; forest department takes strict stance on Pooram

THRISSUR: The forest department has issued strict instructions regarding the participation of elephants in the Thrissur Pooram. According to the forest department, all mahouts of elephants participating in the festival should undergo the RT-PCR test and produce COVID negative result. An elephant can take part in the festival only if all its mahouts test negative for COVID-19. However, there is no restriction regarding the number of elephants taking part in the festival.

The fitness of the elephants will be examined. A 40-member team has been appointed to examine the elephants. Elephants in musth state will not be allowed to take part in the festival. Moreover, elephants that have caused the death of several people will not be allowed.

This time Pooram is celebrated under strict conditions due to the COVID crisis. People under 45 years should produce RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours to take part in the festival. Elderly citizens need to present proof of receiving two doses of the COVID vaccine. Children under the age of ten are prohibited.