Dasara jumbo from Mathigodu elephant camp tops the chart at 5,790 kg!

Mysuru: The first batch of 9 Dasara elephants, which arrived at Mysore Palace on Aug. 28, underwent their traditional weight check this morning, with Srikanta topping the chart at 5,790 kg.

As part of the annual ritual, the elephants were led to the Sairam & Co. Weigh Bridge on Dhanvanthri Road this morning, accompanied by their Mahouts and Kavadis. They exited Mysore Palace through the North Gate and proceeded via Chamaraja Circle, K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, and Dhanvanthri Road to the weigh bridge.

This year’s weights are as follows: Srikanta – 5,790 kg, Ekalavya – 5,600 kg, Dhananjaya – 5,530 kg, Mahendra – 5,490 kg, Prashantha – 5,205 kg, Gopi – 5,170 kg, Srirama – 4,820 kg, Lakshmi – 3,990 kg and Kaveri – 3,075 kg.

It has been a custom to check the weights of the elephants taking part in Jumbo Savari since many years. The weight check determines the strength of each elephant and also helps in the Forest officials decide on the diet for each jumbo.

Following the weight checks, the jumbos were taken back to their camps at Mysore Palace. This was the first time that the Dasara jumbos walked on the Raja Marga (Procession route) after they were brought to Mysuru. Earlier, the elephants entered the procession route from Balarama Gate (Palace North Gate) next to Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at about 7.15 am. 

As the jumbos walked through the procession route, hundreds of public gathered on Sayyaji Rao Road till weigh bridge were seen recording the movement of elephants on their mobile phones and also cheering them. The vendors, who had setup their shops, offered the elephants flowers and bananas. People were also seen bowing down to elephants as a mark of respect as they walked past.

Speaking to media person, post weigh check, DCF (Wildlife) I.B. Prabhu Gowda said, “The first batch of Dasara elephants were in good health and their weights were in accordance to their age. Following the weight check, the elephants will be provided hygiene food according to the requirements. Later, we will start step-by-step rehearsal for the Jumbo Savari.”

He also issued stern warning on those involved in publishing wrong information regarding tickets being issued for viewing elephants at Palace camp. He said, action would be initiated against people involved in spreading wrong news and creating confusion among public.