A religious procession in Karnataka, southern India, was abandoned after a captive elephant carrying a ceremonial shrine weighing about 650kg became agitated, sending spectators fleeing and damaging vehicles along the route.

According to The Independent, citing NDTV, the incident involved Somanna, a 36-year-old elephant taking part in the Dasara festivities in Shivamogga on Wednesday. Videos from the event showed the animal moving away from the procession route as devotees and onlookers scrambled to safety.

The shrine, an ornate silver-and-gold structure known locally as an ambari, fell from the elephant’s back during the commotion and was damaged. NDTV reported that two cars and three motorcycles were damaged, while Shivamogga city corporation commissioner Mayanna Gowda gave a different figure for the damaged vehicles. No injuries were reported.

The procession began near Shivappa Nayaka Palace and was scheduled to end at Allama Prabhu Grounds, where a religious ceremony was planned. Forest and police officials intervened as Somanna moved back along the route, while veterinary officials later sedated the animal. Somanna was subsequently reported to be recovering at a nearby temple.

Somanna had been selected to carry the ceremonial structure after Sagar, the elephant previously assigned the role, sustained a leg injury. It was Somanna’s first time taking part in the procession. Prasanna Krishna Patagar, deputy conservator of forests in Shivamogga, told Deccan Herald that the elephant had performed well during 10 days of rehearsals.

The incident has renewed concerns about the use of captive elephants in crowded religious celebrations, where heavy ceremonial loads, loud music and large gatherings can expose the animals to stressful conditions. Some social media users criticised the decision to place the shrine on Somanna’s back, questioning the treatment of elephants during public festivities.

Following the incident, Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy directed officials to ensure that elephants selected for processions undergo at least 20 days of training. He also called for experienced mahouts to prepare the animals before they participate in crowded celebrations.

Dasara commemorates the Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory 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 its own Dasara procession, known as Jamboo Savari.