Available on Zoom app every evening at 5.30 till Oct. 2

Mysore/Mysuru: Those who are missing Dasara elephants this time, can see them online for which the Forest Department, along with Asian Elephant Support (AES) organisation, have come out with a series of webinars titled ‘Mysuru Dasara Aanegalu.’

The series of ten webinars was launched as part of Wildlife Week on Wednesday by Chamarajanagar Circle Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Manoj Kumar, which would be telecast on Zoom App every day at 5.30 pm till Oct. 2. Speaking on the occasion, CCF Manoj Kumar said that Mysureans used to be in festive mood during Dasara and a huge crowd used to gather to watch Dasara elephants. 

Not only the crowd used to gather during ‘Jumboo Savari,’ but used to gather in large numbers even to watch the training being given to the elephants to familiarise them with the ‘Jumboo Savari’ route and also at Palace premises where these Dasara elephants were housed, he added.

Continuing, the CCF said that this year many would miss the ‘Jumboo Savari’ due to COVID-19 pandemic and hence, the Forest Department to facilitate students and the public to know more about the elephants and also for educational purpose has organised this unique webinar.

Earlier, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Ajay Mishra, who is also the Chief Wildlife Warden, spoke and said that as Dasara is being celebrated in a simple manner, many will miss to witness the majestic walk of the elephants. He further said that assembly of large crowd in a single place is banned as per COVID guidelines and added that those who are disappointed thinking that they cannot see the elephants can participate in this webinar series and know more about these gentle giants.

Ajay Mishra said that every series would have a quiz and the winners would be awarded with cash prizes, which would be presented during the valedictory of the Wildlife Week. Maharani’s Science College retired Principal S. Sudha spoke about Khedda operation and also provided information on scientific names of elephants and also about the traditional  Mysuru Dasara.

Webinar Convenor Dr. Mamatha Sathyanarayan, who also spoke, said that the webinar would be held till Oct. 2 and added that the webinar is being held to provide various information on Howdah elephant, elephants participating in this year’s Dasara, Combing Specialist Abhimanyu, who is the Howdah carrier this year, Khedda operation, the importance of ‘Gajapayana’ and other topics.