Panic at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedababd as Elephant Runs Amok

A moment of devotion turned into chaos during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant ran amok, startled by loud DJ music and sharp noises. The incident occurred in the Khadia area, a densely packed part of the city, as thousands gathered to witness the annual religious procession.

A video clip of the incident has surfaced and has since gone viral, showing people running for safety through narrow alleyways of the Khadia area as the decorated elephant broke away from the group of 18 elephants leading the chariot of Lord Jagannath. The sudden shift in the animal’s behaviour has triggered a wave of panic, as mahouts struggled to contain the situation.

According to officials, two individuals sustained injuries while trying to escape the area. Fortunately, no one was directly attacked by the elephant. Dr. R.K. Sahu, a veterinary advisor at Kankaria Zoo and part of the response team, explained, “The only male elephant in the procession got a bit irritated, it seems, due to the loud music and whistle blows. He ran amok but was soon brought under control.”

Authorities acted swiftly to contain the situation and managed to tranquilise the elephant within 15 minutes. The animal was removed from the procession and later isolated in a safe area with two female elephants. “The elephant has not directly injured anyone. Now the procession is being carried out with 14 elephants in participation,” Dr. Sahu added.

Elephants play a vital and sacred role in the Jagannath Rath Yatra, often walking ahead of the chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, adorned with ornaments and regarded as auspicious figures in the ceremony. Their presence is symbolic and deeply rooted in tradition. 

The rest of the Rath Yatra continued peacefully after the elephant was removed. 

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