States » SouthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 8:05PM


Somanna incident puts elephants’ role in Dasara under scientific review: Madhu Bangarappa

Shivamogga, Oct 24 (UNI) The incident involving Dasara elephant Somanna during Mysuru’s Jamboo Savari has brought the use of elephants in public festivities under scrutiny, with Karnataka School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa saying the State government will take a scientific view before deciding whether they should continue to be part of such celebrations.
“The government will take a scientific view on whether elephants should be part of festivals such as Dasara,” Bangarappa told reporters here on Saturday after holding a meeting with officials to review the incidents during the Dasara procession.
Somanna, the elephant carrying the howdah during the procession on October 21, suddenly turned back and ran helter-skelter along the route, triggering chaos and leaving spectators shaken.
The incident has renewed concerns over the risks associated with deploying elephants in crowded public events, where the safety of spectators, mahouts and other participants remains a key consideration.
Bangarappa, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Shivamogga district, said the government would examine the question before arriving at a decision on the participation of elephants in festivals such as Mysuru Dasara.
The issue brings into focus the challenge of balancing public safety with the preservation of Karnataka’s cultural traditions. Caparisoned elephants have long been a central attraction of the annual Jamboo Savari, with the lead elephant traditionally carrying the golden howdah.
The government’s proposed scientific review could prove significant in determining how the participation of elephants in major public festivities is assessed in the wake of incidents such as the one involving Somanna.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Somanna incident puts elephants’ role in Dasara under scientific review: Madhu Bangarappa
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