In a first in Kerala, a life-like mechanical elephant was on Sunday, February 26, dedicated to the deity in a temple near Thrissur for performing daily rituals from now on, instead of a real pachyderm.

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India joined hands with award-winning actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, and held the 'Nadayiruthal' ceremony of 'Irinjadappilly Raman', a robotic elephant, at Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in the district.
• PETA said Raman will help conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner and thereby support real elephants' rehabilitation and lives in forests and end the horror of captivity for them.