Mysuru: The first batch of Dasara elephants led by Arjuna, the howdah carrier was accorded a warm and traditional welcome on their arrival at Mysuru Palace here today.
As Majestic Arjuna and company marched, people lined up on the roads to see the arrival of the elephants. Arjuna led while Balarama,Bhima Gajendra, Abhimanyu, Kavery, Varalakshmi, Vijaya followed.
District administration had made elaborate arrangements on the occasion as they received the elephants with traditional rituals associated in the presence of district minister and several other dignitaries.
Washing of elephant feet, puja offering with ashes blend, women carrying ‘Kumbh’ and application of Kumkum were part of the rituals on the occasion.
Deputy commissioner Randeep, Mayor Ravikumar , Local MLAs, senior forest department officials were present when police personnel formally received the elephants with mark of respect amid showering flower petals.
Sweets and snacks too were distributed to those present at the palace precincts.
Mahouts and their assistants (Kavadi’s) were distributed kits consisting items of daily usage by district in-charge Minister H C Mahadevappa
The elephants will camp in the palace till the completion of the Dasara festivities. In the interim, they will undergo rigorous training for the Dasara procession. The authorities have already made elaborate arrangements for the stay of the mahouts and their families on the palace courtyard.
Catherine, tourist from Australia said “This is for the second time I am witnessing Dasara. It’s really amazing to be when elephants are arriving as part of dasara. We don’t have this sort of tradition in Australia. Really it’s great to see such a colorful event along with elephants”.
Elephant camaradarie
It is said that the elephants which are in Mysuru Palace sensed the arrival of the dasara elephants when they were several kms away from the Palace and evinced happiness over the arrival.
Dr Nagaraj, who has been treating the Dasara Elephants and the Mysuru Palace elephants over the last couple of decades says that the palace elephants had started raising their trunk, flapping their ears and making noises when the Dasara elephants were three to four kms away from the Palace. According to him, the elephants show such behaviour only when they are happy.
As the first batch of Dasara elephants reached Mysuru palace on Thursday, the palace elephants were seen welcoming them by raising the trunk as if they are exchanging ‘greetings’ with old time friends.
