TRICHUR, INDIA, JUNE 9, 2001: A strong monsoon squall uprooted a gigantic elanji tree on the grounds of the ancient temple of Vadakkunnathan. The tree has been a key feature adding to the colorful atmosphere of one of the states most celebrated temple festivals. A three-hour percussion concert conducted by 140 odd artist under the shade of the sprawling elanj is so synonymous with the tree that the concert itself is popularly called “elanjithara melam” (“thara” meaning “base”). Temple managers are planning to plant a new elanji sapling. Old timers remember that such an uprooting had taken place 40 years ago, when the present tree was then planted. Elanji is an integral part of Siva temples in the state and the uprooting of the tree is considered to be an inauspicious omen.
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