Prashanth Carries Mysuru Dasara’s 750-Kg Golden Howdah In Debut

Prashanth emerges as new king of Dasara jumbos, carries golden howdah

Prashanth completed a successful debut as the bearer of the golden howdah at the grand Dasara finale in Mysuru on Wednesday (October 21), taking over a responsibility long associated with celebrated tuskers.

The 54-year-old tusker carried the 750-kg golden howdah during the procession, marking a new chapter in the legacy of the ‘Ambari’ elephants. The performance also established him as the successor to veteran tusker Abhimanyu, who had previously carried the prestigious howdah.

Selection after assessment

Prashanth is a resident of the Dubare elephant camp and has 18 years of experience as a Dasara elephant. A team of experts and forest officials selected him after assessing his fitness, temperament and overall suitability for the demanding responsibility.

He was chosen from among five shortlisted tuskers for the task of carrying the 750-kg howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The selection placed him at the centre of one of the most significant responsibilities in the Dasara elephant contingent.

Calm performance during Jamboo Savari

Known for his calm temperament, Prashanth carried out the task with composure and majesty, matching the stature associated with the elephants that have carried the golden howdah over the years.

He remained unfazed by the deafening noise and the thousands of people gathered along the procession route to witness the iconic Jamboo Savari. Prashanth marched through the streets accompanied by kumki elephants Kaveri and Roopa.

Continuing a celebrated tradition

With his successful debut, Prashanth has taken centre stage as the new leader of the Dasara elephant contingent. His emergence carries forward a tradition associated with celebrated tuskers including Drona, Balarama, Arjuna and Abhimanyu.

The debut therefore marks both a change in the bearer of the golden howdah and the continuation of the elephant tradition linked to the Dasara finale.

Source: The Hindu