The majestic elephants that graced Mysore for the renowned Dussehra festival have completed their duties and begun their journey back to their respective camps. On Monday afternoon, a heartfelt farewell ceremony took place in the palace grounds, led by the esteemed elephant Abhimanyu, marking the conclusion of this year’s festivities.
The farewell was steeped in tradition, officiated by priest Prahlada Rao. Rituals included worshipping the elephants and offering them a bounty of treats such as jaggery, sugarcane, coconuts, and bananas. A significant part of the ceremony involved breaking a gray gourd, symbolising blessings and abundance. As the elephants enjoyed their farewell feast, various fruits were presented to them, highlighting the deep connection between the animals and the community.
The atmosphere in the palace courtyard was charged with emotion as locals gathered to say goodbye to the elephants. Residents of Mysore, who had come to cherish the sight of these gentle giants throughout the festival, flocked to Sappe More for the farewell. Many took the opportunity to capture the moment, snapping photos and feeding the elephants under the watchful eyes of their mahouts.
This year’s elephant team was impressive, comprising a mix of seasoned participants and newcomers:
- First team: Abhimanyu (captain), Bhima, Ekalavya from Mattigodu Camp; Rohit from Rampur Camp; Lakshmi, Varalakshmi from Doddaharave Camp; Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kanjan from Dubare Camp.
- Second team: Prashantha, Sugriva from Dubare Camp; Mahendra from Mattigodu Camp; Hiranya and Lakshmi from Rampur Camp.
Forest officials expressed their satisfaction with this year’s festival, praising the elephants for their performances. Malatipriya, the Conservator of Forests, commended the elephants’ efforts, particularly highlighting Dhananjaya’s ability to step into the role typically filled by Arjuna. She also mentioned that Mahendra could be considered for the position of Ambari elephant in the future.
Dr. I.B. Prabhu Gowda, Deputy Conservator of Forests, remarked on the success of the jumbo rides, which surpassed expectations. He credited the efficient management by both the elephants and their mahouts throughout the festival, which contributed to its smooth execution.
As the elephants were loaded onto lorries for their return journey, the streets of Mysore were lined with people waving and cheering. The emotional farewell marked the end of another successful Dussehra celebration, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of the Mysoreans and a promise of return for the beloved elephants in future festivals.
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