Mysuru Dasara: Ministers flag off Gajapayana amid cultural festivities

Nagarahole: Karnataka Ministers H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh, and Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday, August 21 officially inaugurated the annual Dasara Gajapayana (Elephant March) near the Veeranahosahalli check post of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve amidst vibrant cultural celebrations.

The event began with a religious ceremony at a temple located near the Veeranahosahalli Gate, where priests performed rituals. Following this, the elephants participating in the march were also blessed in a special ceremony.

District In-Charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister of Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh, and Minister for Forest Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre offered sugarcane, bananas, and jaggery to the elephants after performing the rituals.

Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda, MP Sunil Bose, ZP CEO Gayatri, APCCF Kumar Pushkar, forest officers Malathi Priya and Ramesh Kumar, and several other officials were present.

The event attracted thousands of spectators, who gathered to witness the commencement of the Gajapayana.