A moment of high drama and panic unfolded during the annual 'Neeru Bandi Utsava' (Water Chariot Festival) at the famous Kukke Subramanya Temple, a renowned 'Naga Kshetra' in Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The incident involved the temple's elephant, Yashaswini, and a staff member.
Elephant 'Yashaswini' Interrupts Water Play
The 'Neeru Bandi Utsava' is a unique ritual where the deity is taken out, and the temple elephant participates in water sports, often interacting playfully with devotees. During the recent procession, the temple elephant, Yashaswini, was joyfully playing in the water with the attending devotees, a common and cherished part of the festival.
Elephant Yasaswini Creates Panic During Water Festival at Kukke Subramanya #Viralvideos #Trending #mangalore #dakshinikannada #kukke pic.twitter.com/F3vQLz5uGT
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However, the moment took an unexpected turn when a Home Guard staff member reportedly came between the elephant and the devotees, seemingly attempting to regulate the flow or space.
Staffer Tossed into the Water
In an immediate reaction to the interruption, the elephant Yashaswini used its trunk to lift the staff member and forcefully toss him aside into the water. The sudden action briefly created a chaotic and panic-stricken situation among the onlookers and the staff.
Calm Restored and Festival Continues
Fortunately, the staff member was immediately retrieved and was reported to be safe, having sustained only minor shock. Following the incident, the elephant quickly resumed its playful interaction with the devotees, suggesting the action was a reaction to its play being interrupted rather than an aggressive act.
The temple authorities and mahouts swiftly managed the situation, and the 'Neeru Bandi Utsava' continued, much to the relief of the thousands of devotees attending the festival at the prestigious South Indian temple.
