Second batch of Dasara Elephants arrive

Mysuru: The second batch of Dasara elephants, including debutants Bheema, Krishna and Drona, reached Mysore Palace yesterday to take part in the Jumboo Savari scheduled for Sept. 30. The elephants that arrived from the jungle camps were accorded a simple but traditional welcome by a team of officials led by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep who is also the Dasara Special Officer. But the event was held without much fanfare as compared to the entry of the first batch of elephants. They were ushered into the main Palace courtyard from the Jayamarthanda Gate by an ensemble of musicians. Other officials included Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mysuru Circle P. B. Karunakara and Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya. The second batch including Gopalaswamy (35), Vikrama (44), Gopi (35), Harsha (50), Krishna (56), Drona (35) and Prashanth (61), all tuskers, joined the first batch, comprising howdah elephant Arjuna, Balarama, Abhimanyu, Bheema,  Gajendra, Kaveri, Varalakshmi and Vijaya. Elephant Krishna, Gopalaswamy and Drona are attached to the Mathigodu elephant camp under Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Vikrama, Gopi, Harsha and Prashanth, are from Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu District. Gopalaswamy has a calm temperament and he has participated in six Dasara festivals. Vikrama has already participated in 13 Dasara festivals and has been designated the ‘Pattada Aane’ since last year. Accordingly, he will have a place of honour in the customs and rituals to be conducted by the Wadiyars at the Palace. Gopi has participated in Dasara seven times while strong and powerful Harsha has taken part in 15 Dasara processions. For Prashanth, it is his 11th appearance. Of the 15 elephants, who will participate in Dasara, Krishna, Drona and Bheema are making their debut this year. In order to keep the elephants physically fit for the strenuous routine, they will be offered a balanced diet and nutritious food including butter, urad dal, green gram, wheat, boiled rice, onion, vegetables, rice, groundnut, coconut, jaggery and sugarcane during rehearsals.