Durante la tradicional procesión Dasara Jamboo Savari, celebrada este miércoles 21 octubre de 2026 en Shivamogga, India, un elefante llamado Somanna provocó pánico entre los asistentes luego de que corriera repentinamente por las calles mientras transportaba una estructura ceremonial con la imagen de la diosa Chamundeshwari.
¿Qué pasó durante la procesión Dasara Jamboo Savari en India?
De acuerdo con los reportes, el animal cambió de dirección y corrió hacia atrás, provocando que el palanquín de plata, conocido como ambari y con un peso aproximado de 450 kilogramos, cayera al suelo. Los asistentes huyeron para ponerse a salvo y, durante el incidente, dos automóviles y tres vehículos automotores resultaron dañados.
The traditional Dasara Jamboo Savari procession in Shivamogga was halted midway on Wednesday after elephant Somanna, carrying the silver howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, suddenly turned around and ran through the streets, triggering panic among spectators. The incident occurred shortly after the procession began at Shivappa Nayaka Palace in the Kote area. As the elephant moved along Kote Road, it unexpectedly changed direction and ran back, causing the approximately 450-kg silver howdah, also known as the ambari, to slip and fall to the ground. The howdah reportedly sustained minor damage. The elephant’s sudden movement sent people scrambling for safety. According to reports, two cars and three motorbikes were damaged as the elephant ran along the procession route. Forest Department personnel and police immediately launched efforts to bring the situation under control. Police managed the crowd and cleared the area to prevent further injuries. Veterinary officers eventually administered a tranquiliser to restrain Somanna. The elephant was subsequently brought under control and stationed at Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple, where it was reported to be recovering after being tranquilised. The Jamboo Savari procession was called off following the incident. According to reports, elephant Sagar had initially been selected and trained to carry the ambari during Shivamogga Dasara. However, Sagar reportedly developed leg pain, prompting organisers to select Somanna at the last minute. Somanna was carrying the ambari for the first time during the procession. Questions have since been raised about whether the elephant received adequate training and preparation for the responsibility. However, the precise cause of the incident has not been officially established, and further details regarding the circumstances are awaited. The incident disrupted the traditional Dasara celebrations and raised concerns about elephant management, crowd safety and precautionary measures during large public processions.
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¿Cómo lograron controlar al elefante Somanna?
Elementos de la policía, personal forestal y veterinarios intervinieron para controlar la situación. Finalmente, el animal fue sedado y trasladado al templo Kote Seetharamanjaneya, donde permanecía en recuperación.
Somanna había sustituido a otro elefante que presuntamente presentaba dolor en las patas; además, era la primera vez que transportaba el palanquín durante esta procesión.
Hasta el momento, las autoridades no han determinado qué provocó su reacción ni si la preparación del animal influyó en lo ocurrido.