An elephant carrying a 650-kg silver howdah ran amok during the Dasara procession in Karnataka’s Shivamogga, damaging buildings and vehicles as people scrambled to move out of its path.
The elephant, Somananna, became agitated during the procession and moved through the streets before the howdah, locally known as the ambari, fell off its back.
The howdah is an ornate seat or platform mounted on an elephant’s back for ceremonial processions.
Veterinary officials administered a sedative to bring Somananna under control, while police struggled to manage the panicked crowd.
The elephant was later reported to be recovering at the Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple. Shivamogga’s Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Forest Officer were at the spot, overseeing the situation and crowd control.
Dasara is celebrated as Karnataka’s state festival, marking Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Mysuru’s celebrations are known for the Jamboo Savari, an elephant procession carrying a golden howdah on Vijayadashami.
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