Mysuru: All elephants which took part in the dasara procession reluctantly bid goodbye to the city of Mysuru after spending 40 happy days in the palace premises where they deservedly received royal treatment. It was an emotional moment when lined up elephants raised their snouts to thank everyone for their support, strictly adhering to instructions from their care takers.
They were accorded a warm send off by the district administration on Thursday morning by offering floral garlands. Elephants received lot of attention during their stay in the palace premises where they were fed with food of their choice and bathed twice a day. They went round the city and got accustomed to large crowds and the associated buzz during their daily rehearsals. This morning too they were fed with special food items.
After the procession, tired pachyderms relaxed for a day and this morning they were sent off in trucks to their original place of stay. Mahouts and their family members were also given a special breakfast before their departure in a special pandal erected for the purpose.
District In charge minister H C Mahadevappa, Local MLA M K Somashekhar, Deputy commissioner D Randeep, Deputy forest officer Karikalan and Vet Dr.Nagaraj were present on the occasion.
The government increased allowance for Mahouts from Rs 5000 to Rs 7500 this year after it received several complaints from various quarters.
Many citizens waved at the elephants and their caretakers on their return journey and the place premises will miss elephants and their humble caretakers for sure.Life will be usual in the palace city with the return of pachyderms as curtains have come down on 11 day state festival which was a huge success against odds.
