March 13, 2025: Popular South Indian actor Parvati Nair joined hands with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and Action for Elephants UK to donate a mechanical elephant to the Sree Balabhadrakali Kshetram temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The mechanical elephant, named Devi Dasan, was unveiled at a ceremony held at the temple, marking a significant step towards promoting animal welfare and safety in temple festivities.
“Technology is allowing us to perform our religious duties while assuring the safety of God’s creation,” said Parvati Nair, a long-time supporter of animal protection. “It gives me absolute pleasure to be part of this initiative with Action for Elephants UK and PETA India to allow devotees to take part in divine ceremonies in the safest, most compassionate manner.”
“As an animal lover, it’s heartbreaking to see elephants being exploited and mistreated in the name of tradition and culture,” added Parvati Nair. “I hope that this mechanical elephant will inspire other temples to adopt humane alternatives and promote a culture of compassion and respect for animals.”
The mechanical elephant is designed to mimic the movements and appearance of a real elephant, providing a safe and humane alternative for temple festivities. This initiative aims to reduce the use of real elephants in temples, which are often subjected to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
PETA India has been working closely with temples and authorities to promote the use of mechanical elephants and other humane alternatives in temple festivities. This effort is part of a broader campaign to protect elephants and promote animal welfare in India.
The use of mechanical elephants in temples not only ensures the safety and well-being of devotees but also promotes a culture of compassion and respect for animals. By adopting humane alternatives, temples can set an example for the community and contribute to a more compassionate society.
PETA India’s initiative has already gained momentum, with several temples across the country expressing interest in adopting mechanical elephants. This movement is expected to inspire a wave of change in the way temples celebrate festivals, prioritizing animal welfare and safety.
