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A captive elephant carrying a 650kg silver-and-gold shrine to a Hindu goddess ran amok during a religious procession in southern India, damaging cars and bringing celebrations to an abrupt halt.
Footage from the city of Shivamogga in Karnataka state showed people scrambling to escape as the elephant, named Somanna, veered away from the procession route.
In the melee, the ornate shrine, known locally as ambari, fell from the animal’s back and suffered damage, prompting organisers to abandon the procession midway.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, triggered outrage from conservationists and animal rights activists. Veterinary officials eventually sedated the animal and it was later reported to be recovering at the nearby temple.
The incident occurred during a celebration of Dasara, a festival commemorating the day when the goddess Chamundeshwari slew the demon Mahishasura. It is particularly associated with Mysuru, where a grand procession features an elephant carrying a golden howdah containing the goddess's idol.
Shivamogga holds its own procession known as Jamboo Savari as part of the Dasara celebrations.
It was during this procession that Somanna grew agitated, prompting forest and police officials to intervene as spectators fled.
650 kilos?
— Be🖤 (@joBeeGeorgeous) October 21, 2026
Don't you care about these animals?
And why take them on a procession through crowded streets, people beating drums etc. https://t.co/RQhmjTUhBA
The procession began near Shivappa Nayaka Palace and was set 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 alike and damaging two cars and three motorcycles, according to NDTV.
There were no reports of injuries.
“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.
shame on people puttting a 650 kilo weight on the neck and upper back of an elephant. they are not meant for that …. when did God ask you to abuse animals for your joy .
— tarzan (@Srileo03) October 21, 2026
The incident has renewed a persistent debate over the use of elephants in public festivities, especially when they must carry heavy loads through crowds, loud music and other potential sources of stress.
In this instance, some commentators also questioned the decision to use Somanna to carry the heavy ceremonial structure. The 36-year-old was selected to carry ambari after Sagar, the elephant that had traditionally performed the role, suffered a leg injury. Somanna was used in the festivities for the first time.
“650 kilos? Don't you care about these animals?” a social media user asked. “And why take them on a procession through crowded streets, people beating drums, etc.”
“Shame on people putting a 650 kilo weight on the neck and upper back of an elephant,” wrote another. “They are not meant for that. When did God ask you to abuse animals for your joy.”
Prasanna Krishna Patagar, deputy conservator of forests in Shivamogga, told the Deccan Herald they had chosen Somanna because it was “performing well during the rehearsals which lasted for 10 days”.
In the wake of the incident, Karnataka’s forest minister, Ramalinga Reddy, directed officials to ensure that elephants participating in processions were put through at least 20 days of training, India Today reported. He also called for experienced mahouts to train the animals before they were made to take part in crowded public celebrations.
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