Howdah Elephant Somanna Runs Amok During Shivamogga Dasara Procession

The Dasara celebrations in Shivamogga experienced chaos when Somanna, an elephant carrying the howdah with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, ran amok during the Jamboo Savari procession on Wednesday. Participating in the procession for the first time, Somanna bolted backward shortly after starting from the Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple, followed by another elephant named Bahaddur. Caretakers and Shivamogga City Corporation staff chased the animals as the howdah slipped off, damaging a couple of cars and two-wheelers.

Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil confirmed there were no casualties and that the howdah elephant had been chosen that morning instead of Sagar, who carried it for the previous six years. Staff safely carried the idol away after the animals were brought under control. Police stated that the procession would continue as scheduled without elephants.

Editor's note: Covers the incident, quotes, and background cleanly within wire limits.