Elephant breaks loose at India temple festival

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Elephant breaks loose at India temple festival

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An elephant taking part in a festival in India's Kerala state breaks loose before being controlled.

03 May,2012 04:31 am

The elephant, named Kalidasan, ran in different directions although its mahouts (keepers) tried to bring it under control and in the melee public chaos was created.In the ensuing stampede about a dozen persons suffered minor injuries and fortunately, doctors present at the venue attended to them.Finally, the mahouts, with the help of some of locals shackled the animals legs with ropes and then brought it under control, less than half an hour after the chaos erupted.The world famous annual temple festivities of Poornam at Thrissur, which began on Tuesday, (May 01) were marked by a grand procession of majestic elephants caparisoned in gold and colourful ornaments.The elephants, which are the main attraction of the annual event, marched through the streets of the city before reaching the Vadakkunnathan temple, dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva.