Guruvayur Kesavan, Kerala’s legendary tusker, was warmly remembered on Kesavan Memorial Day, Sunday. Devotees and elephant lovers crowded the Sreevalsam Guest House to pay floral tribute to his statue. The event began at 7 a.m. with a grand procession from Thiruvengidachalapathi Temple. Leading the march was the majestic elephant Indrasen, carrying a portrait of Guruvayur Kesavan herself. Five other devaswom elephants joined, including Balram with a portrait of Guruvayurappan, and tusker Ravi Krishnan holding Mahalakshmi's image. Elephants Krishna and Navaneet Krishna marched as part of the ceremonial group. By 8:30 a.m., the procession reached East Nada, circled the temple, and entered the Sreevalsam premises. Indrasen bowed before Kesavan’s statue in a symbolic gesture. Guruvayur Devaswom chairman V.K. Vijayan laid a floral wreath, honoring the famous tusker. The statue itself had recently undergone a complete renovation. Sculptor Elavally Nandan led the three-and-a-half-month project that dismantled and rebuilt much of the original statue. The earlier statue, installed in 1982, faced criticism for not truly capturing Kesavan's likeness and had become damaged. After an unsuccessful renovation attempt in 2022, the devaswom board decided to rebuild it fully. The new statue was dedicated last Sunday, November 23. The day also featured musical performances, including Pancharatna Keerthanalapanam, Thyagaraja kritis rendered by many musicians at Melpathur Auditorium, as part of Guruvayur Ekadasi celebrations.