Mysuru: Dasara elephants return to forest camps

Mysuru: After successfully completing their service in the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival, the team of elephants, which arrived two months ago in the city, made their way back to their respective camps on Monday.

In an emotional farewell ceremony held in the palace premises, a special puja was performed for all the elephants under the leadership of Abhimanyu, the lead elephant. The elephants were offered jaggery, sugarcane, coconuts, and bananas before their departure.

Over the past two months, these elephants, which had undergone several stages of training, adapted to the city’s environment. However, they began their journey back to their camps with a heavy heart. The atmosphere in the palace courtyard was filled with emotion as Mysuru residents bid goodbye to the majestic creatures.

The mahouts and their families, who had been enjoying the festivities, also packed their bags with sadness as they prepared to return to their villages. The citizens of Mysuru, who took joy in watching the elephants daily, waved them off with a sense of loss.

Traditional Puja for the Elephants

A traditional puja was conducted for the elephants, following which, fruits and jaggery were distributed, and a pumpkin-breaking ritual was performed to ward off the evil eye. The mahouts and their families were given snacks before the elephants bid farewell.

In addition to a symbolic gesture of respect, the mahouts and assistants were also provided with groceries and an honorarium as they returned to the camps. The elephants were loaded onto trucks and sent to their respective camps while the hundreds of city residents gathered along the roads to wave them off.

Two Teams of Elephants

The first team included Captain Abhimanyu from Mathigodu Elephant Camp, along with Bhima, Ekalavya, Rohith from Rampura Camp, Lakshmi and Varalakshmi from Dodda Harave Camp, and Dhananjaya, Gopi, and Kanjan from Dubare Camp in Kodagu district. The second team had Prashanth and Sugreeva from Dubare, Mahendra from Mathigodu, and Hiranya and Lakshmi from Rampura.

Visitors Flock to Watch Elephants Depart

On the day of the farewell, a large crowd gathered to watch the elephants one last time. Since morning, people had flocked to the palace to catch a glimpse of the famous Dasara elephants, especially Abhimanyu. Many visitors posed for photos with the elephants, while others joyfully watched the bathing rituals of the elephants.

Thousands, regardless of age, came to see the animals up close. Some even fed the elephants bananas and sweets through the mahouts, cherishing their final moments with the majestic creatures. Captain Abhimanyu and the highly popular Bhima drew the largest crowds.

Officials Speak on the Successful Event

“This year’s Dasara festival was a grand success. All officials, including the DCF, fulfilled their responsibilities efficiently. Abhimanyu carried the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari with excellence, and all the elephants performed admirably. Despite Arjuna’s absence, Dhananjaya handled his role perfectly. We are considering appointing Dhananjaya or Mahendra as the next howdah elephant, and the final decision will be made after further discussions,” said Malathipriya, Forest Conservation Officer.

“This year’s Jamboo Savari exceeded all expectations. The elephants and their mahouts fulfilled their duties meticulously. After a traditional puja, the elephants were bid farewell and sent back to their camps,” said Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, DCF.