Kolhapur: Thousands gather on streets at midnight for Mahadevi the elephant’s ‘naandani’ ceremony
मुख्य बातें
- •In Kolhapur, thousands spontaneously turned out at midnight for Mahadevi the elephant’s ‘naandani’ ceremony.
- •The event was organised jointly by the Forest Department and local administration.
- •Citizens brought fruits and sweets as offerings, showing their respect for the elephant.
- •The ceremony played a significant role in raising awareness about wildlife conservation.
Kolhapur, 27 – Thousands of citizens thronged the streets at midnight on Sunday to celebrate the ‘naandani’ ceremony of Mahadevi, an elephant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The event was organised jointly by the Forest Department and the local administration. Mahadevi has been in the custody of the Kolhapur Forest Department for many years, and its officers and staff work round-the-clock to ensure her care.
After midnight on Sunday, crowds spilled onto the roads from several parts of Kolhapur city. Large gatherings were especially seen near the area where Mahadevi resides. Many carried mobiles and cameras to capture the historic moment. Some even brought fruits and sweets as offerings for the elephant. Elderly locals also joined the celebrations with enthusiasm.
Forest officials and police ensured safety throughout the night, and many people remained on the streets well past midnight. The Forest Department has undertaken several initiatives for Mahadevi’s upkeep, including regular health check-ups and a balanced diet. The ceremony has heightened public awareness about wildlife conservation.

