Mysuru, Oct 14 Prashantha, a 54-year-old tusker, has been chosen to carry the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari procession at this year’s Mysuru Dasara, Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Mysuru Palace Board, he said Prashantha has taken part in the Dasara festivities for 18 years and was picked for his calm temperament and experience.
The Jamboo Savari, a procession of a dozen caparisoned elephants, will be held on October 21 and is expected to draw thousands of spectators. Prashantha will carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royal family, in the 750-kg golden howdah, also known as the Ambari.
“The selection was made after a detailed assessment of the elephant’s experience at Dasara, the suitability of its back for carrying the howdah, the load it bore during the training camp, its composure while moving with the contingent and its responsiveness to mahouts and caretakers,” Yathindra said.
Tusker Mahendra was earlier dropped from contention after failing to complete the weight-bearing training. Abhimanyu, who has carried the howdah six times, will not do so this year as he has turned 60.
Dhananjaya has been named the reserve elephant in case of an emergency. Abhimanyu will lead the contingent as the Nishane elephant, and Gopi will be the Naupat elephant.
Kaveri and Roopa will flank the howdah carrier as kumki elephants. Ekalavya, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Srikanta, Srirama and Mahendra will make up the supporting contingent.
The minister said the government has given the highest priority to the health and safety of the elephants, with adequate rest, nutritious food and precautionary care under veterinary supervision.
Yathindra also said the Chief Ministers of Keralam and Telangana have agreed to attend the celebrations as guests, along with around 40 film personalities from Karnataka and elsewhere. He added that preparations are on to hold the state festival on a grand scale.
A special poster announcing Prashantha’s selection was released by dignitaries at the press conference.
(PTI News)
