Elephants in temple courtyards have been a familiar sight in my life, from childhood to adulthood. The simple act of handing over a few pennies in exchange for blessings is still practised in many south Indian temples. Never understood how this beautiful, innocent being, who can also be the craziest, ended up in the midst of human insanity.

As an explorer, I found myself arriving in the middle of more than 30 eldest, youngest, wildest, naughtiest, and cutest Gaints on my trip to Thrissur. Elephants on chains distress everyone, but I wonder if I ever asked myself why they are here, what is their story? Are they looked after, or do they suffer from abuse? Are the mahouts wonderful people? Should I even photograph them? Is it moral? There were mountains of questions ahead of me with no answers.. and then there this naughty one practically sprayed water on me. His Mahout exclaimed, "He wants to play with you!"

For 20 minutes, I stood in front of him, watching him play with water, with his mahout, and with that chain!!! I was standing on them, and he was slowly tried to pull me down. The most amusing of them all. I understood because of our eye contact, the connection we built, and listening to Mahout, It's the respect you show and the love you receive in return.

Many have commented, "What a sad sight," "How can you even snap a picture of this poor animal," and manythings that lingers in my ear.

Every day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night, I look at this image; he makes me smile and reminds me that in life, you should also play with water like a child! Don't worry about the world; just be happy!

This is one of my favourite photograph.

Edition : 15/15 Title : The Dancing Elephant Artist : Soumya Geetha Location : Punnathur Kotta, Guruvayoor

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