Mysuru: The first batch of six elephants, led by Arjuna, the howdah elephant was accorded a warm and traditional welcome on its arrival at Mysuru Palace here on Friday.
The first batch of six elephants, which were welcomed at Veeranahosahalli on Sunday, were camping at Aloka campus. On Friday morning they were brought to Aranya Bhavan where they were welcomed by forest department officials. After special prayers, the elephants marched through the thoroughfares of the city before arriving at Jayamartanda Gate of the main entrance of the palace.
As Majestic Arjuna and company marched, people lined up to see the arrival of the elephants that signals the countdown of Mysuru Dasara. Arjuna led while Balarama, Gajendra, Abhimanyu, Kavery and Vijaya followed. When the elephants arrived at Palace entrance the tourists visiting the palace were surprised at the arrival of the elephants and within no time a huge crowd was seen clicking pictures.
Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, MLA M.K. Somashekar, senior forest department officials including Deputy Conservator of Forests V. Karikalan formally received the elephants and showered flower petals, while priests conducted various rituals and performed “arathi” to the elephants to the accompaniment of music. The elephants were fed with sugarcane, jaggery and plantains.
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. All the elephants will be given special and supplement diets.The second batch of another six elephants Vikrama, Gopi, Harsha, Prashanth, Durga Parameshwari and Gopalaswamy will join in couple of weeks’ time.
