Tusker Pallatt Brahmadathan dies after lightning strike near Erattupetta in Keralam’s Kottayam

Pallatt Brahmadathan, a 65-year-old elephant and a familiar presence at temple festivals across Keralam, died after being struck by lightning amid heavy rain near Erattupetta in Kottayam on Sunday (October 4, 2026) evening.

The incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. when a thunderstorm swept through the area. The nearly 10-foot-tall elephant was tethered near the residence of his owner, Kerala Festival Coordination Committee president Rajesh Pallatt, at Melampara. He had been resting there following a bout of musth.

Brahmadathan, who had been brought to Keralam from Bihar, 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 procession of Paramekkavu Devaswom at the Thrissur Pooram.

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

Several people began arriving to the elephant owner’s house after hearing the news to catch a final glimpse of the tusker.