Why did Indian cricket fans bring an elephant to The Oval 55 years ago today?

On August 24, 1971, Indian fans brought three-year-old elephant Bella from Chessington Zoo to The Oval as the final day of India's historic Test against England coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi. India’s team manager Hemu Adhikari declared sighting the elephant a good omen. India chased down 173-run target, sealing their first Test and first series victories on English soil.