It’s Dasara season and the jumbos are back in Mysuru Premium

Led by the “perfectionist” tusker Abhimanyu, which has been leading the Dasara jumbo squad, performing the tasks of carrying the 750-kilo golden howdah with finesse and ease during the finale of the celebrations, the elephants are being trained for the big day, with the forest officials and their caretakers monitoring their preparation and well-being. Veterinarians closely monitor their health.

Dasara is around the corner and the elephants are back in the Mysuru from various jungle camps, gearing up for the festivities that commence from October 3.

Led by the “perfectionist” tusker Abhimanyu, which has been leading the Dasara jumbo squad, performing the tasks of carrying the 750-kilo golden howdah with finesse and ease during the finale of the celebrations, the elephants are being trained for the big day, with the forest officials and their caretakers monitoring their preparation and well-being. Veterinarians closely monitor their health.

The elephants are the star attraction of the Nada Habba, and tourists come to watch these gentle giants that make the celebrations awe-inspiring. Their arrival in Mysuru signals the countdown to Dasara.

Nine elephants headed by Abhimanyu arrived in August as a part of Gajapayana from Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and the second batch of five elephants joined the team early this month and all of them are undergoing Dasara drills. The elephants are camping on the palace premises, rehearsing for the Vijayadashami procession. Their caretakers, including the mahouts, kavadis and their family members are also camping alongside them. All of them leave after the Dasara finale.

The caparisoned elephants got a ceremonial reception when they stepped into the palace premises. The ambience was festive and cultural troupes made the occasion impressive. Tourists thronged the palace vicinity to get the glimpse of the jumbos.

Abhimanyu (58), Dhananjaya (33), Mahendra (41), Bheema (24), Gopi (42), Prashantha (51), Sugreeva (42), Kanjan (25), Rohit (22), Ekalavya (39), Varalakshmi (68), Lakshmi (23), Doddaharave Lakshmi (53), and Hiranya (47) are the elephants jumbos camping in Mysuru. After going through the profile of the elephants from various camps, the Forest Department shortlisted 18 elephants, and 14 were chosen for the festivities.

Among the 14 elephants, Varalakshmi of Bheemanakatte camp is the oldest. Standing 2.36 meters tall, the female elephant is 68 years old. She has been a part of the Dasara squad for many years. The youngest in the jumbo team is Rohit from Ramapura camp. The 2.70-foot-tall Rohit is aged 22 years.