THRISSUR: The elephant named Ernakulam Sivakumar is likely to replace Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran in the Thrissur Pooram. If Ramachandran won’t be able to turn up, Ernakulam Sivakumar may take his place and carry Thidambu (a replica of deity) during the parade of elephants.
The Devaswom board has approached Neithalakkavu Devaswom Advisory Committee Devaswom Board, requesting it to consider Sivakumar for pooram.
But the so called Anapermis (elephant lovers) have been insisting on the inclusion of Ramachandran.
Ramachandran has been a regular presence in Thrissur pooram over the past several years but this year the district collector had denied permission, citing Ramachandran’s health issues and safety consideration of gatherings of people during the pooram.

In case Ramachandran is unable to take part in the pooram, the next chance is for 53-year-old Sivakumar.
His height is 301 cm. The last year also Sivakumar was there in the Pooram.
Sivakumar’s position was third among 15 elephants of Thiruvambadi and first in Kochi Devaswom. Elephant owners’ opinion was also taken into consideration for making Sivakumar, Ramachandran’s substitute.