A captive elephant carrying a 650kg silver-and-gold shrine during a Hindu religious procession in southern India went on a rampage on Wednesday, damaging vehicles and forcing organisers to abandon the celebrations midway.
Footage from Shivamogga in Karnataka state showed people scrambling to safety as the elephant, named Somanna, veered away from the procession route, reports The Independent UK.
The ornate shrine, known locally as ambari, fell from the animal’s back and was damaged during the incident.
The incident occurred on Wednesday during Dasara celebrations and sparked criticism from conservationists and animal rights activists. Veterinary officials eventually sedated the elephant, which was later reported to be recovering at a nearby temple.
Dasara commemorates the victory of the goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is particularly associated with Mysuru, where a grand procession features an elephant carrying a golden howdah containing the goddess’s idol.
Shivamogga also holds a procession, known as Jamboo Savari, as part of its Dasara celebrations.
During the procession, Somanna became agitated, prompting forest and police officials to intervene as spectators fled. The procession had started near Shivappa Nayaka Palace and was scheduled to end at Allama Prabhu Grounds, where a religious ceremony was to take place.
Somanna suddenly changed direction and began moving back along the route, triggering panic among devotees and spectators. According to NDTV, the elephant damaged two cars and three motorcycles. No injuries were reported.
“The situation is under control. No one has been injured in the incident. One car and one two-wheeler were damaged,” The South First quoted Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner Mayanna Gowda as saying.
The incident has renewed debate over the use of elephants in public festivities, particularly when they are required to carry heavy loads through crowded streets amid loud music and other potential sources of stress.
Questions have also been raised over the decision to assign Somanna the task of carrying the ceremonial shrine. The 36-year-old elephant was selected for the role after Sagar, which had traditionally carried the ambari, suffered a leg injury. This was Somanna’s first time participating in the festivities in that capacity.
The incident drew criticism on social media, with users questioning the weight placed on the elephant and its use in a crowded procession.
“650 kilos? Don't you care about these animals?” one user wrote, questioning why elephants were taken through crowded streets amid people beating drums.
“Shame on people putting a 650 kilo weight on the neck and upper back of an elephant,” another user wrote. “They are not meant for that. When did God ask you to abuse animals for your joy.”