‘Gajapayana’ of Mysuru Dasara elephants flagged off

‘Gajapayana’, the traditional but symbolic march of the elephants from their forest camps to the city of palaces, was flagged off at Veeranahosahalli near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Monday.

After the traditional rituals and special worship of the jumbos, which were held between 12.34 p.m. and 12.59 p.m., the first batch of the caparisoned elephants led by tusker Abhimanyu began their journey to Mysuru.

With ‘Gajapayana’, the countdown to the famous Dasara festivities has begun, setting the stage for the annual event witnessed by lakhs of people. This year’s festivities are scheduled in the month of September. Of the 14 elephants selected to participate in the festivities, the first batch of nine elephants were ceremoniously flagged off, after the rituals conducted by a group of priests.

Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar Khandre, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture K. Venkatesh, G.D. Harish Gowda, Tanveer Sait, Ravishankar, MLAs, and senior officials from the Forest Department and elected representatives from the district took part in the grand ‘Gajayapana’.

A large number of people, including local residents, tribals, and some tourists, watched the colourful proceedings. The event came alive by vibrant cultural performances that added colour and charm.

Abhimanyu, who led the first batch of elephants, will carry the 750-kg golden howdah on the day of Vijayadashami procession. Other elephants include, Dhananjaya, Bheema, Kanjan, Ekalayva, Prashanth, Mahendra, Kaveri, and Balle Lakshmi. The second batch of five elephants from other camps will join Abhimanyu’s team later this month.

After marching for a distance, the elephants were transported in trucks to Mysuru. On reaching Mysuru, the elephants will be camping at the Aranya Bhavan for a couple of days, before their traditional welcome into the Mysore palace on August 7.

The district administration and the Mysuru Palace Board have made elaborate arrangements for the stay of elephants, mahouts, and their family members on the palace premises. Enclosures have been built for the jumbos and temporary shelters have been established for the mahouts.

A dedicated team of forest officials headed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests will be in charge of the elephants. While veterinarians will oversee the health of the elephants, forest personnel will look after their needs until the festivities get over. Special diet will be provided to the elephants.

Speaking after flagging off the event, Mr. Khandre emphasised the responsibility of the people in wildlife conservation. “It is everybody’s responsibility to protect wildlife even as we enjoy watching them in safaris and zoos and caparisoned elephants in Dasara procession.”

The Minister expressed concern over the rising number of electrocution of elephants due to illegal electrification of fences and leopards dying in snares. Mr. Khandre mentioned about the shocking case of poisoning of five tigers in Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar.

On the occasion, a booklet and poster featuring details on Dasara elephants were released. The maiden awards, instituted in the name of Arjuna, the Dasara elephant, were presented on the occasion.