To carry 750-kg Golden Howdah during Dasara Jumboo Savari

Mysuru: Prashantha, a tusker from Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district, has been selected to carry the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Jumboo Savari on Vijayadashami, marking the grand finale of the 416th edition of Mysuru Dasara.

With the retirement of the celebrated Abhimanyu, there was considerable curiosity over who would succeed him as the ‘Ambari’ elephant. The Forest Department has now named 54-year-old Prashantha for the prestigious role. Prashantha arrived in Mysuru on Aug. 26 as part of the first batch of Dasara elephants. He impressed officials during training, which included carrying wooden howdahs and undergoing various tests.

His calm temperament, obedience to Mahouts, steady gait under heavy loads and ability to remain composed amid crowds, vehicle noise and decorative lights were among the factors considered in his selection.

The announcement was made at the Mysore Palace Board office, where District in-Charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah unveiled a poster. He said, Prashantha’s seniority, temperament, physical attributes and performance during training had favoured his selection.

Having participated in Dasara for the past 18 years, Prashantha is one of the most experienced elephants in the team. His naturally flat back provides a stable base for securing the Golden Howdah. During training, he successfully carried loads of 700-kg and 1,000-kg, demonstrating his strength and ability to handle heavy weights.

Dhananjaya from Srirangapatna has been designated as the reserve ‘Ambari’ elephant.

Abhimanyu, who carried the Golden Howdah in previous years, will lead the procession as the ‘Nishane Aane.’ Gopi will serve as the ‘Naupath Aane,’ while Mahendra and Lakshmi will walk in the first row.

Srirama, Chaitra and Sugreeva will form the second row, followed by Srikanta and Ekalavya in the third. Roopa will walk to Prashantha’s left and Kaveri to his right as ‘Kumki’ elephants.

The announcement event was attended by Muzrai Minister Basavantappa, MLC Dr. D. Thimmaiah, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Conservator of Forests Dr. Ravishankar, DCF Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner M.K. Savitha, Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, RFO Yashma Machamma and others.