Distraught elephant goes on RAMPAGE during Indian Thalappoli Festival
AN ELEPHANT has gone on a rampage throwing vehicles like toys during the Thalappoli Festival in India.
Elephant in frenzy at Pulapatta temple festival ground
Footage shared on YouTube reveals the great animal, known as Devidasan, destroying everything in his path as he makes his way from the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala.
It took two mahout trainers several hours to bring the strong elephant under control.
The elephant named Devidasan went on a rampage during the annual Thalappoli Festival
Originally part of the festival's procession, Devidasan had other ideas.
Spectators watched with horror as he picked up cars, motorbikes and rickshaws and tossed them across the road.
The elephant picked up everything from motorbikes, rickhaws and vans along the roadside
The Thalappoli Festival always celebrates with a parade of decorated elephants
No one was reported as injured.
The regional Thalappoli Festival occurs annually across four days during the month of Makaram (January-February) and usually features a parade of ornately decorated elephants.
Women also carry plates filled with rice, flowers and lighted lamps to symbolise prosperity.
The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most ancient shrines in India.
Thalappoli Festival is celebrated over four days during the month of Makaram
The place is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhadrakali, who is usually represented with a small tusk protruding from her mouth.
She represents the successful and fortunate form of death goddess Kali who is believed to protect the good.
Bhadrakali is a popular form of Devi worshipped in Kerala.