Elephant Panic Disrupts Shivamogga Dasara, Triggers Calls for Religious Remedy and Ban

An elephant named Somanna broke its stride and caused panic during Shivamogga's Dasara procession on Oct 21, 2026, damaging the Chamundeshwari idol and nearby property. The howdah slipped off the elephant's back as Somanna suddenly turned back after a short distance on the designated route. Two vehicles and a part of a house were also damaged in the scramble. Police, onlookers and organisers struggled to contain the crowd as the animal ran helter‑skelter. Former deputy chief minister K.S. Eshwarappa and former MLA K.B. Prasanna Kumar met Deputy Commissioner Prabhuling Kavalikatti on Oct 22, urging a ‘religious solution’ to calm the situation. Shivamogga MLA S.N. Channabasappa later joined the discussion. The deputy commissioner said he would consult the State Dharmika Parishat for guidance, noting the priest of the Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple had also submitted suggestions. The Forest Department launched an internal inquiry, with Chief Conservator K.T. Hanumanthappa collecting facts. Officials said all three elephants slated for the procession could bear the howdah, but a last‑minute decision by an elected representative to place Somanna at the front exposed the animal to the crowd, leading to its panic. Environmentalists such as Akhilesh Chipli of Sagar called for a ban on using elephants in festivals, saying the animals are not suited for such duties. The incident has revived debate over animal welfare in Karnataka’s cultural events. ## Context The State Dharmika Parishat advises on religious matters, while the Forest Department oversees wildlife use in public ceremonies. The call for a ‘religious solution’ reflects local attempts to balance tradition with safety concerns.