Temporary sheds being constructed for Mahouts, Kavadis and their families
Mysuru: With the world famous Dasara round the corner, preparations are underway at the Mysore Palace premises for welcoming the first batch of Dasara elephants.
Works on the construction of temporary sheds for Mahouts and Kavadis of Dasara elephants, have gained pace in Someshwaraswamy temple arena in the Palace premises. These sheds will house Mahouts & Kavadis who take care of Dasara jumbos. The sheds will have a total of 18 to 20 rooms built on a concrete basement.
Elephant bath pool is being readied on the right side of Sri Kodi Someshwaraswamy Temple arena. Also, the installation of steel barricades near the Jayamarthanda Gate of the Palace is nearing completion.
Speaking to SOM, the shed construction contractor Tafazzul Ahmed said, he has been constructing the sheds for the past 5-6 years and this year too, he has been awarded the contract.
Pointing out that these temporary sheds are completely water-proof, he said he has also been entrusted with the job of constructing elephant sheds. Noting that the elephant sheds are being constructed as per the directions of the Forest Department, Ahmed said, however, minor changes will be effected if the Forest officials ask for. The Forest Department will ensure basic amenities at the sheds once the construction is completed, he added.
‘Gajapayana’ on Aug. 26
Meanwhile ‘Gajapayana,’ the march of Dasara elephants, will be held at Veeranahosahalli Gate in Hunsur on Aug. 26.
As many as 9 jumbos will arrive in first batch, with the march officially scheduled to start between 10 am and 10.28 am.
The elephants will be loaded into lorries and upon their arrival at Mysuru, they will be sheltered at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram. Later, they will be brought to Mysore Palace on Aug. 28, with a traditional welcome.
DCF (Wildlife) Dr. I.B. Prabhugouda said that the construction of sheds in the Palace premises is expected to be complete in a couple of days. Pointing out that the sheds can shelter 30 families of Mahouts and Kavadis, he said that the premises will be installed with CCTV cameras as a security measure.
Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya said that Palace Board has made all preparations for welcoming the first batch of Dasara elephants at the Mysore Palace on Aug. 28.
Maintaining that apart from providing basic civic amenities, tent school too will be set up for the education of Mahout children, he said that the Board is in constant touch with the District Administration and the Forest Department in this regard.
This post was published on August 23, 2026 7:30 pm