There is an unusual practice on the streets of Mysuru these days. Groups of people run towards elephant dung as soon as it drops during elephant training sessions. Children, women, and old people are seen trying to step on the dung, making what would otherwise be a normal moment into something curious.
The unusual practice has been linked to the belief that stepping on elephant dung will bring good luck and good things happen. Videos of people doing it have also been posted on social media, and more people have become interested in the ritual.
Elephants have a special religious and cultural meaning for some participants, and animals associated with Mysuru’s famous Dasara celebrations are sometimes treated in particular reverence. Some people apparently believe that coming into contact with elephant dung will bring luck or remove difficulties from life.
Crowds Gather During Elephant Training
The practice is reportedly most noticeable when the Dasara elephants are brought out for training and preparation work. People wait for the elephants to arrive so they can participate in the ritual.
When an elephant drops dung during a training session, people rush towards the spot and try to step on it before others. Sometimes pushing and jostling occur as several people try to participate at once.
The sight of people crowding around elephant dung has been unusual, and participants responded quickly.
Claims About Health Benefits Remain Unverified
Some of the beliefs among participants apparently go beyond luck and prosperity. People say stepping on elephant dung could reduce health problems like high blood sugar or blood pressure.
But these claims shouldn’t be taken as fact: there is no basis in the information given for saying that stepping on elephant dung will lower blood sugar or blood pressure. People with diabetes, hypertension, or other medical conditions should seek qualified medical advice and prescribed treatment, not unverified practices.
The circulation of such claims on social media could thus lead people to link traditional beliefs with medical benefits without scientific evidence.
Social Media Adds to the Curiosity
Social media videos seem to have helped draw attention to the practice. People who see others rushing to step on elephant dung may be curious about the belief and go to places where elephants are trained.
This has created an unusual cycle where a local belief gets more visibility online and then becomes more interesting.
At the same time, growing crowds raise questions about safety and hygiene and not disturbing elephants during their training routines.
Mysuru’s Deep Connection With Elephants
Elephants have a special place in Mysuru’s culture because the city is associated with the annual Mysuru Dasara festival. The elephants for Dasara are specially prepared and trained before they take part in the big celebrations.
Their presence is a draw for residents and tourists alike. But experts and authorities generally emphasise that people should stay safe from elephants and allow trained handlers to handle them.
The unusual dung-stepping practice has therefore become yet another example of how cultural beliefs, social media trends and superstition can coexist in public spaces.
People may do it for personal belief or tradition, but claims that guaranteed luck or medical benefits are made and unproven. Attention given to the practice also demonstrates why crowds shouldn’t interfere with elephant training (or create unsafe situations).
With Mysuru gearing up for another festival season, the unusual ritual is sure to continue to draw attention on the streets and social media.
