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Shivamogga Celebrates Dasara with Majestic Elephant Procession
2 Oct
Summary
- Shivamogga hosts annual Dasara procession led by tusker Sagar
- Procession includes 3 other elephants and a 450kg silver howdah
- Thousands gather to witness the grand celebration

On Thursday, the city of Shivamogga in Karnataka hosted its annual Dasara procession, a grand celebration that took place amidst a light drizzle. The procession was led by the tusker Sagar, who carried a 450kg silver howdah on his back with the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The Dasara festivities were launched by Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa, who offered prayers to the Nandi Dhwaja along with Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa and other dignitaries. In addition to Sagar, three other elephants - Sakrebailu, Bahadur, and Balanna - also participated in the procession, which passed through the city's key landmarks, including Ramanna Shresti Park, Gandhi Bazaar, and Jail Road.
According to the District Forest Officer (Wildlife) Prasanna Patgar, this was Sagar's 15th time participating in the Shivamogga Dasara celebrations, and the fifth time he carried the heavy silver howdah. A special bed weighing around 200kg was placed on Sagar's back to ensure his safety and prevent the howdah from slipping, a measure taken from the authorities in Mysuru.
The grand Dasara procession, which lasted until nightfall, attracted a huge crowd eager to witness the majestic display of cultural heritage and tradition.