A momentary scare disrupted the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad today when a single male elephant, startled by loud DJ music and shrill noises, ran amok near Desai ni Pol in Khadia, causing panic, an official said.
Two people have been injured while trying to flee from the place, the official added.
“The only male elephant in the procession got a bit irritated it seems due to loud music and whistle blows. He ran amok but was soon brought under control. This male elephant has been isolated and kept with two other female elephants. The elephant has not directly injured anyone. Now the procession is being carried out with 14 elephants in participation,” said Dr. R.K. Sahu, veterinary advisor at Kankaria Zoo in Ahmedabad and part of the team that treated the elephant.
The annual procession, drawing thousands to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur along a 16-kilometer route, began around 7 AM.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the Pahind ceremony, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted the Mangala Aarti at 4 AM.
{{/usCountry}}Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the Pahind ceremony, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted the Mangala Aarti at 4 AM.
{{/usCountry}}With 18 elephants, 101 trucks, 30 akhadas, 18 bhajan groups, and three bands, the yatra was proceeding smoothly until 10:15 AM, when the elephant bolted, scattering devotees. Two people were reportedly hurt while fleeing the scene.
Police, mahouts, and forest staff tranquilized the elephant within 15 minutes and removed it from the procession, which continued with 14 elephants. One person was treated on-site, while another was taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, officials said.
Authorities opted to continue with the DJ music, and the yatra, secured by 23,000 police, 41 drones, and 25 AI cameras, resumed without further disruption. Devotees carried on chanting “Jai Ranchhod, Makhan Chor” as the procession moved forward.