Lakshmi Returns to Lead Bonalu Processions in Secunderabad, Old City
Lakshmi will be first stationed in Secunderabad for participating in Bonalu procession to be organized on August 3 at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. (File Photo: S Surender Reddy)
Hyderabad: For the second time, Lakshmi, the 34-year-old elephant from Karnataka will grace three processions to be organized during Bonalu celebrations in Secunderabad and old city on August 3, 9 and 10.
Belonging to Sri Sri Sri Jagad Guru Chenna Basava Rajendra Maha Samigal at Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt at Horapete in Tumkur in Karnataka, Lakshmi already arrived in the city under the supervision its mahout, from Tumkur via Bellari.
The Endowments department made necessary arrangements in bringing the elephant safely to the city. Lakshmi will be first stationed in Secunderabad for participating in Bonalu procession to be organized on August 3 at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali temple in Secunderabad. She would also participate in two separate Bonalu processions to be organized at Sri Nalla Pochamma and Mahankali temple at Sabzimandi in Karwan on August 9 and at Sri Akkanna Madanna temple in Haribowli in the old city on August 10, respectively.
During the processions, a veterinary doctor from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad along with other staff with tranquilizers will accompany the elephant as a precautionary measure.
In transport permit, Karnataka Chief Wild Life Warden and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Kumar Pushkar laid down certain conditions including feeding elephant properly with food and water while travelling.
The elephant should not be used for more than five hours per day. Organizers or elephant owner shall follow rules and conditions imposed by Telangana Forest department and arrange a veterinary doctor with tranquilizing gun or medicine on the day of programme.
The elephant owner shall not use the elephant for any other purpose than this programme. No loud noise and band should be played within 100 yards of the elephant. Fire crackers, flames, fire, lamps of torches should not be displayed in front of the elephant.
Red and white cloth or any coloured articles should not be displayed in front of the elephant. No person should be allowed to approach within 10 yards of elephant, except mahout, he said.
