Mysuru: Priest Prahlad Rao, who has been performing puja to  Ambari elephant for the past 27 years  during Dasara, was felicitated by the Mysuru District Madivala Association at a programme held at Jaladarshini Guest House here on Thursday.

Speaking after being felicitated, Prahlad Rao said that he has been performing Gajanana Puja and other rituals to the Ambari elephant praying to Goddess Chamundeshwari for the past several years.

Thus far, all Dasara rituals have taken place successfully without any hurdles with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, he added.

He appealed the Government to construct a memorial for Dasara Howdah carrying elephant Arjuna who passed away late last year.

Former MUDA Chairman and Congress leader H.V. Rajeev, former Mayors Purushotham and Ananta, District Madiwala Association President Singri Shetty, Office-bearers Hanur Nagaraj, B.G. Keshav, Kiran, Manju Shetty, Mahesh, Sriram, Venkatesh and others were present during the occasion.