Kerala temple gets life-size mechanical elephant from actor Disha Patani, PETA
Thrissur (PTI): Bollywood actor Disha Patani and PETA India have jointly gifted a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple here, which was unveiled at the shrine on Saturday.
The three-metre-tall, 500-kilogram mechanical elephant, named Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, was donated to the temple in recognition of its decision to never own or hire live elephants, PETA India said in a statement.
It is the 20th robotic elephant donated to temples in India by PETA India and the 11th in Kerala.
The mechanical elephant was welcomed with an inauguration ceremony and a Panchavadyam performance, the statement added.
It is the seventh such elephant, made of rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel, and powered by five motors, donated to a temple in Thrissur.
Patani said in the statement that every act of kindness brings people closer to a more compassionate world.
"I am very happy that mechanical elephant Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan will now be used for the rituals and celebrations at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram, so traditions can continue with grace and compassion," she said.
CPI MLA from the Kaipamangalam Assembly constituency, E T Taison Master, welcomed the development, saying that choosing a mechanical elephant is a progressive step that protects both animals and the public.
"Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram has set an inspiring example for Kerala. This compassionate decision ensures safer celebrations while honouring our cultural traditions," he said in the statement.
The President of the temple, Madhu V, also welcomed the mechanical elephant, saying that it "fills our hearts with joy," the statement said.
"This special gift will allow us to perform our rituals with devotion while showing gentle care and respect for all living beings. By embracing this thoughtful innovation, we honour our sacred traditions and celebrate faith, love, and kindness for every creation of God," he added.
PETA said that a mechanical elephant looks, feels, and functions like a real elephant.
"It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water. It can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed to its back. It operates simply by plugging it into an electrical source and can be moved on a wheelbase for rituals and processions," it said.
Smiles, warmth, and joy filled the air as devotees at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram welcomed Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, the majestic mechanical elephant.🛕💚@DishPatani #RoboticThodathraKalapattuDeviDasan #MechanicalElephant #Elephants #PETAIndia pic.twitter.com/9hzikIexU8
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) February 14, 2026
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Voting begins for Assam's 126 assembly seats
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Guwahati (PTI): Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies began on Thursday to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates, officials said.
In the high-stakes election, the ruling BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term in office, while the Congress seeks to wrest power after being ousted in 2016.
Polling, being held in a single phase, began at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm. Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations from early morning.
An electorate of 2.50 crore, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender, can exercise their franchise in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi, assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Leader of the opposition Debabrata Saikia, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
Several cabinet ministers, including the AGP’s Atul Bora and Keshav Mahanta, and the BPF’s Charan Boro are also in the fray.
The Congress has the highest of 99 contestants, followed by the BJP (90), AIUDF (30), NDA allies AGP (26) and BPF (11).
Opposition alliance’s Raijor Dal is contesting in 13, AJP in 10, CPI(M) in 3 and APHLC in 2. Outside the two coalitions, the AAP is contesting in 18 seats, UPPL in 18, TMC 22, JMM 16 and there are 258 independents.
The ruling NDA’s main constituents are the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) while the opposition alliance comprises the Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), CPI(M), All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) and CPI(ML).
The counting of votes is scheduled on May 4.
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