Tusker Pallatt Brahmadathan died after being struck by lightning near Erattupetta in Keralam’s Kottayam

People gather to pay their last respects to tusker Pallattu Brahmadathan, who died after being struck by lightning. | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

Pallatt Brahmadathan, a 65-year-old elephant and a fixture at temple festivals across Kerala, died after being struck by lightning amid heavy rain near Erattupetta in Kottayam on Sunday evening.

The incident took place around 5.30pm when a thunderstorm swept through the area. The nearly 10-feet tall elephant was tied up near the residence of its owner, Kerala Festival Coordination Committee President Rajesh Pallatt, in Melampara. He was resting there after a bout of porridge.

Brought to Keralam from Bihar, Brahmadathan was a popular attraction among elephant lovers. He was among the elephants that carried the idol of the main deity during the late night Pooram Paramekkavu Devaswam procession at the Thrissur Pooram.

Known for his calm and gentle nature, Brahmadathan was fondly referred to as Gaja Kausthubham Pallatt Brahmadathan by elephant lovers.

Several people started coming to the elephant’s owner’s house after hearing the news to catch one last glimpse of the tusker.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 21:13 IST