Elephants race for Krishna

Hundreds of locals and tourists cheered as 30 elephants took part in the hugely popular annual race in the Indian state of Kerala.

They run more than half a mile through the streets of Guruvayur and on to the town's revered temple.

Lots are drawn and only a lucky few elephants get the chance to participate in the coveted race and organisers make sure no elephants are injured.

Gokul the elephant entered the Sri Krishna Temple first to win the race. As his trophy, he will stay inside the temple until the festival is over and have the honour of carrying the main deity's idol during the festival.

Traditionally, the race marks the beginning of a ten-day long temple festival dedicated to the residing Hindu deity, Lord Krishna.

A large number of foreign tourists watched the race. "It's fantastic but they wear too many chains," said Christine, a tourist from UK.

The race is traditionally held to honour an ancient legend when the temple town did not have a single elephant.

It is believed that after elaborate prayers by priests and locals, God answered their requests and an elephant came out of nowhere and stayed on.

Elephants are deeply revered in India - the elephant-headed God Ganesh is one of the most popular in the Hindu pantheon.

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