Shivamogga Dasara panic: Residents suggest ‘religious cure’

Somanna, an elephant carrying a howdah, ran during the Dasara procession in Shivamogga on Wednesday. The howdah slipped off the back of the elephant and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was damaged. | Photo credit: SK DINESH

Former elected representatives and a section of residents in Shivamogga have suggested that the district administration consider a “religious solution” in response to untoward incidents during Dasara celebrations in the town on Thursday.

During the procession, Somanna, a tusker carrying a howdah, suddenly turned back and ran on bare feet after covering a short distance on the designated path, causing panic among onlookers, police and organizers. Several vehicles and part of a house were damaged in the collision. The howdah fell to the ground and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was damaged.

A number of residents, including former elected representatives, met Deputy Commissioner Prabhuling Kavalikatti on Thursday and suggested that the district administration consider a “religious solution”. Among them were KS Eshwarappa, former deputy chief minister, and KB Prasanna Kumar, former MLA. Later, SN Channabasappa, Shivamogga MLA, met the Deputy Commissioner to discuss the issue.

Mr. Kavalikatti said he listened sensitively to the suggestions of former elected representatives. The priest of Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple, Muzrai temple also submitted suggestions. “Based on suggestions from the people, I have decided to consult the state dharmic Parishat (religious council). We will follow the council’s instructions,” he said.

Internal query

The forest department has launched an internal inquiry into the incident in which Somanna, an elephant carrying a howdah during Dasara celebrations, went berserk.

On Thursday, Mr. Kavalikatti told reporters that Chief Conservator of Forests KT Hanumanthappa had started gathering facts about the incident.

“The information we received was that all the three elephants were equally capable of carrying the weight of the howdah and participating in the procession. However, an internal probe will show what happened and what caused the incident,” said the deputy commissioner.

Last minute change blamed

Speculation is rife that the intervention of a few overzealous elected representatives led to the chaos. Forest department officials, after consulting the elephant’s caretakers, decided to keep Somanna, the tusker carrying the howdah, in the middle of the procession, with Sagar, a veteran who had carried the howdah in previous years, in the lead. However, at the last minute, the elected representative insisted that Somanna be brought to the front. The frightened animal exposed to the large crowd turned back.

Demand to end the use of elephants

The incidents prompted several environmentalists to demand that the Karnataka government stop involving elephants in festivals.

Akhilesh Chipli, an environmentalist from Sagar, said the use of elephants in Dasara celebrations is unacceptable as the animals are not meant to handle such responsibilities. According to him, the forest department should not allow the use of elephants in such events.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 16:41 IST