As the countdown to the historic Jumboo Savaari (Vijayadashami procession) begins, the Gaadhi (cushion) and Namdha (thick decorative rug) preparations have also begun. The Gaadhi acts as cushion to Arjuna, the lead elephant, who will carry the coveted 750-kilogram Golden Howdah on his back during the Jumboo Savaari procession this Dasara. The Gaadhi will make life smoother for the Howdah-Elephant, as he marches with his troupe from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap Grounds on the Dasara procession day on Oct.19.
Retired mahouts and skilled Gaadhi and Namdha makers, Zakaulla and Pasha are currently preparing the Gaadhi at Someshwara Temple premises in the Palace. They are using their skills to prepare the cushion of the Howdah Elephant, Arjuna who himself weighs more than 6,350 kgs.
