First batch of nine elephants to enter Mysore Palace on Aug. 7; Training from Aug. 9

By M.T. Yogesh Kumar

Mysore/Mysuru: With heavy rains lashing the State ahead of schedule and most reservoirs nearing full capacity, the State Government has nevertheless decided to go ahead with this year’s Dasara celebrations in full splendour.

In this backdrop, the Forest Department has proactively begun the process of selecting the elephant team, led by the iconic howdah elephant, Captain Abhimanyu. Over 25 elephants have been shortlisted, with the final 15 to be selected and officially announced in the second week of July.

For the first time in several years, the festivities will span 11 days, beginning on Sept. 22 and culminating with the grand Jumboo Savari on Oct. 2.

As always, selecting elephants for the Dasara procession poses a unique challenge, given the 45-day training requirement leading up to the finale.

With Captain Abhimanyu confirmed to lead the elephant contingent once again, forest officials are now focused on shortlisting alternate elephants and assigning them various ceremonial roles.

Visit to six camps

A dedicated team led by Mysuru Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, along with veterinarians, RFOs and support staff, has been visiting elephant camps since June 19 — including Mathigodu, Dodda Harave, Bheemanakatte, Dubare, Balle and Bandipur — to assess the health and suitability of elephants for the celebrations.

From these six camps, over 25 elephants have been shortlisted, with the final 15 to be selected and officially announced in the second week of July,  officials said.

The ceremonial Gajapayana, marking the elephants’ journey from the forests to Mysuru, will commence on Aug. 4, between 12.34 and 12.59 pm during the auspicious Tula Lagna (Abhijin Muhurta), near the Veerana-  hosahalli Gate in Hunsur taluk.

The first batch of nine elephants is expected to arrive at the Forest Department premises in Ashokapuram, Mysuru, on Aug. 7. Though an alternative date was considered, it has now been confirmed that the elephants will enter the Mysore Palace the same evening.

Training from Aug. 9

Once the elephants reach the Palace premises, training along the Jumboo Savari route will begin on Aug. 9 or 10. A second batch of five to six elephants is expected to arrive in the first week of September. Thereafter, full-scale training will be carried out to prepare the team for their ceremonial duties.

Selection process underway

The process of selecting this year’s Dasara elephant team has commenced. Officials have inspected elephants across various camps. Once the final list is prepared, it will be submitted to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) in Bengaluru. The Forest Minister is expected to  announce the selected names officially.

 — Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, DCF, Mysuru Wildlife Division