7-7-2024 (COLOMBO) A Hindu religious festival in Sri Lanka took an unexpected and chaotic turn when an elephant participating in the procession became agitated, sending devotees fleeing for safety. The incident, which unfolded in Kataragama, about 280 kilometers south of the capital Colombo, resulted in 13 people sustaining minor injuries as they scrambled to escape the panicked animal.
Video footage captured the harrowing scene and quickly circulated on social media, offering a glimpse into the chaos that ensued. In the footage, one of the elephant’s keepers can be seen desperately attempting to regain control of the agitated animal by pulling on its tail, while screaming devotees lining the street rushed to find safety.
The images depict a grand parade of elephants adorned in vibrant red, blue, and gold robes, stretching from trunk to tail, accompanied by the clanging of cymbals and the presence of a large crowd. However, the festive atmosphere quickly turned tense as one of the elephants, seemingly overwhelmed by the commotion, lost its composure.
At least 10 were injured in Kataragama as an elephant goes on a rampage during the Ruhunu Kataragama Perahera last night. ???? #SriLanka #Kataragama #Perahera #LKA pic.twitter.com/1F196598ME
— Sri Lanka Tweet ???????? (@SriLankaTweet) July 7, 2024
In the aftermath of the incident, 13 individuals were transported to the nearby Kataragama hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries sustained while fleeing the scene. A spokesperson for the state-run facility confirmed that all those admitted had been discharged by Sunday, the day after the chaotic event.
The incident has reignited concerns among animal rights groups regarding the widespread use of elephants in temple ceremonies throughout Sri Lanka. These organizations have long criticized the practice, citing instances of animal cruelty and a lack of enforcement of existing laws intended to protect these majestic creatures.
Instances of elephants becoming agitated and posing a threat to bystanders during religious processions and festivals are not uncommon in Sri Lanka. In August 2023, dozens of pilgrims in the central city of Kandy were forced to jump into a lake to escape five agitated young elephants, resulting in several injuries and the hospitalization of one woman.
Similarly, in 2019, at least 17 people were injured when elephants ran amok during a temple festival in Colombo, further highlighting the potential risks associated with the use of these animals in such events.
While elephants hold a sacred status in Sri Lankan culture, animal rights advocates argue that the widespread exploitation of these creatures for religious and ceremonial purposes often comes at the expense of their well-being and safety, as well as that of the general public.
Official records indicate that Sri Lanka is home to around 200 domesticated elephants, in addition to a wild population estimated at approximately 7,500 individuals. Despite a ban on the capture of wild elephants, dozens of calves have been reported stolen in recent years, often after their mothers were killed by poachers.
