Elephant Madhuri returns to Nandani math after 13 months, gets rousing welcome
Madhuri, sent to Gujarat's Vantara rescue centre by a court order, was brought back to Kolhapur's Nandani math after HPC approval
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Madhuri, the elephant of Nandani math in Kolhapur district, has finally returned home after nearly 13 months away. Madhuri, who was staying at the Vantara rescue centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, was brought back to Nandani math on Friday night after the High Powered Committee (HPC) gave its approval. News of her return sparked celebrations across Nandani village and the wider Kolhapur district.
Madhuri had been sent to the Vantara rescue centre following a court order on July 30, 2025. Since then, local residents and animal lovers had been continuously demanding that she be brought back to the math. After months of these efforts, the HPC finally cleared her return on September 9, 2026.
A team of around 40 people led by Vantara CEO Vivan Karnik arrived with an animal ambulance to bring Madhuri to Nandani. As word of her arrival spread along the route, people gathered by the roadside at several places and welcomed her by showering flowers.
The scene at Nandani itself was different altogether. The village was decorated with rangoli and lights, and welcome banners and hoardings were put up at various spots. Large crowds gathered at the math premises and gave Madhuri a grand welcome with drums and showers of flowers.
Several villagers grew emotional on the occasion. Local residents said that about 13 months ago, when Madhuri was being taken from Nandani to Vantara, people had fed her fruit as a farewell gesture. On her return now, Madhuri ate fruit and sugarcane kept in her new enclosure, a sight that filled those present with joy.
While sending Madhuri back, the HPC also laid down certain conditions regarding her care and use. Under these conditions, Madhuri can no longer be part of any procession or religious procession. Arrangements must also be made for her round-the-clock monitoring and care. In addition, a team of veterinarians from Vantara will check on Madhuri's health every 15 days.
Madhuri's return to Nandani after 13 months is being seen as a victory in the long fight waged by local residents and animal lovers. Since her homecoming, an atmosphere of celebration has prevailed in Nandani math and the surrounding area.
