Dasara Elephant Stops Mid-Way Of Jumbo Savari Procession Rehearsal In Mysuru, Rested
The daily rehearsal of tamed elephants was to end at Bannimantap starting from Mysore Palace premises: Reports
BENGALURU: Forest officials went through a few moments anxiety on Thursday evening after a tamed elephant Mahendra engaged in rehearsal for jumbo savari, the finale of Mysore Dasara festivities, carrying a mounted wooden howdah, a replica of golden howdah, halted mid-way of the rehearsal route in Mysuru city. Officials say “nothing to worry.”
Taking note of the Mahendra’s reluctance to carry the mounted wooden howdah, officials concerned dismounted the wooden howdah at Government Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital Circle in Mysuru city and cancelled the rehearsal for the day.
The daily rehearsal of tamed elephants was to end at Bannimantap starting from Mysore Palace premises. The daily rehearsal has been going on for more than a month while the finale of the procession is on October 21.
Explaining the reason for the Mahendra to show reluctance to carry the wooden howdah, Deputy Conservator of Forests Prabhugouda Patil told Deccan Chronicle “A couple of days back, Mahendra showed reluctance to carrying wooden howdah part of the rehearsal, then, a rope tied to both wooden howdah and elephant’s body tightened from the moisture after rain.”
“It is animal psychology,” said the DCF and stated “Since, we cancelled a rehearsal a couple of days ago noting discomfort in him, Mahendra probably acted in a similar way.”
Continuing, the DCF said, since Mahendra experienced some inconvenience then rehearsal was cancelled. Even today, when rehearsal started at around 4 pm, Mahendra showed initial signs of reluctance to carry the wooden howdah. But, the rehearsal went through K.R. Circle and on reaching Government Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital an hour later, Mahendra hesitated to continue and the rehearsal was stopped mid-way.
However, forest officials were quick to put Mahendra for detailed medical examination and DCF said Mahendra paw pads showed no injuries to make him feel uncomfortable. Prabhugouda Patil said Mahendra will be put on rest for a couple of days to make him regain confidence to return to rehearsal.
Along with Mahendra, a couple of other elephants are tipped to carry the golden howdah on Vijayadashami day this year falling on October 21, a tradition followed by erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore.