There is a tradition that 12 elephants should participate in the Dasara procession. Now, Gopalaswamy is replacing Varalakshmi. Gopalaswamy which has the capacity to carry the Golden Howdah was not brought this time. It had little health issues and hence it lost the opportunity to be a part of the first and second batch of elephants that arrived in city.
However, it has now regained its health and in this background, Gopalaswamy was brought from Mattigodu camp last evening at 4.45 to the Palace premises.
