Mysuru Dasara elephants return to jungle camps after 60-day stay

The Dasara elephants left Mysuru for their respective jungle camps on Thursday (October 22), ending a 60-day stay marked by training sessions, rehearsals and the grand Jamboo Savari procession.

Their departure came after routine weight checks and a customary puja at the Mysuru palace. The elephants were then loaded onto separate trucks for the journey back to their respective camps.

Prashanth, who carried the golden howdah during the procession, led the group as it left the palace. The elephants had completed their Dasara duties after taking part in the Vijayadashami celebrations and the Jamboo Savari procession on Wednesday (October 21).

A farewell at the palace

A large number of people gathered on the palace premises to bid farewell to the elephants, which had become a major attraction during their stay. Visitors had watched the jumbos step out of the palace for regular training sessions along the Jamboo Savari route.

The elephants had become familiar faces in Mysuru over the past two months, making their departure an emotional moment for many people. Their stay culminated in the spectacular Vijayadashami procession, where each elephant was assigned a specific role.

The mahouts and kavadis who accompanied the elephants also left the city, along with their family members who had stayed with them during the Dasara period.

Deputy Conservator of Forests I.B. Prabhu Gowda, who was in charge of the elephants, said they had returned to their original camps after successfully completing their Dasara duties. “The jungle is their natural home, and they have to return there,” he said.

Prashanth’s debut with the golden howdah

Prashanth carried the 750-kg golden howdah during his debut in the role. Gowda said the Forest Department had confidence in the tusker’s ability because of his experience and the training he had undergone.

He also said Prashanth’s calm temperament had played a key role in his successful performance as the lead elephant. “All the elephants have gained good weight and are in good health. Therefore, they were sent back to their camps on Thursday,” Gowda said.

According to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, every elephant performed its assigned role successfully during the procession. While Prashanth carried the golden howdah, veteran tusker Abhimanyu led the procession as the Nishane Ane.

“Every elephant is different, and we cannot compare one with another. Each has its own unique characteristics,” Gowda said.

Training and safety highlighted

Asked about the incident reported during the Jamboo Savari in Shivamogga on Wednesday, Gowda stressed the importance of adequate training and safety measures. “Training for 50 to 60 days is crucial for elephants assigned such roles. Precautionary measures are equally important,” he said.

The elephants’ return marks the end of their Mysuru stay after the training, public appearances and procession duties that made them a prominent part of the Dasara celebrations.

Source: The Hindu