Dasara elephants return to jungle camps after a memorable Mysuru sojourn

The Dasara elephants returned to their respective jungle camps on Thursday (October 22), bringing to an end their memorable 60-day stay in Mysuru, where they captivated thousands of people with their rehearsals and the grand Jamboo Savari procession on Wednesday (October 21).

After routine weight checks and a customary puja at the Mysuru palace, the elephants, led by golden howdah-bearer Prashanth, were loaded onto separate trucks for their journey back to their respective camps. Their mahouts and kavadis, along with their family members who had accompanied them during their stay, also left the city.

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. The jumbos had won the hearts of visitors as they stepped out of the palace for regular training sessions along the Jamboo Savari route.

The farewell was an emotional moment for many, as the elephants had become familiar faces in the city over the past two months, culminating in the spectacular Vijayadashami procession.

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. After the customary puja and weight checks, they left for their respective camps,” he said.

On Prashanth’s successful debut as the bearer of the 750-kg golden howdah, Mr. Gowda said the Forest Department had confidence in the tusker’s ability, given his experience and the training he had undergone.

Prashanth’s calm temperament had also played a key role in his successful performance as the lead elephant, he added.

“All the elephants have gained good weight and are in good health. Therefore, they were sent back to their camps on Thursday,” he said.

Asked about the performance of the elephants during the procession, the DCF said each had performed its assigned role successfully. 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,” he said.

Asked about the incident reported during the Jamboo Savari in Shivamogga on Wednesday, Prabhu 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.