Mysuru: All the 12 Dasara elephants led by howdah elephant Arjuna performed very well during the Dasara procession. Particularly the Dasara jumbos, Dhananjaya and Dhrona showed perfect signs of being the successors of Arjuna and an ageing Balarama or the second line of the elephants.
Though initially, the 35-year-old Dhananjaya of Dubare Elephant Camp, which made its debut showed nervousness when it was welcomed at Mysuru Palace and Dhrona on his second time shuddered during the gun salute rehearsal, both were at ease during the 5 km Dasara procession which was held on Friday. The forest department officials including both mahouts and kavadis are too happy and delighted with the duo’s performance who are considered the future howdah elephants.
Senior Veterinary Dr. Nagaraj who is taking care of Dasara elephants since nearly two decades said, “Apart from Gopi and Gopalswamy, the young elephants Drona and Dhananjaya too were very impressive during this Dasara. Going by their performance, they are the perfect second line of Dasara elephants. The present elephants including howdah elephant Arjuna and Balarama will be there for another minimum of five years. Drona, Dhananjay, Gopalswamy and Gopi are ready to shoulder responsibilities. Particularly, Drona and Dhananjay, during their stint at the palace and rehearsal and Dasara procession behaved and performed their tasks very well throughout their stint at the Mysuru Palace.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Sidramappa Chalkapure, DCF (Wildlife), said “Dhananjay and Drona, two young elephants did well during this Dasara. They not only attracted people but also looked very impressive. The patience of these two elephants was great, both have potential and a bright future ahead. Everybody is happy with the duo’s performance.”
Each Dasara elephant gain an average weight of 300 to 400 kg
On an average, each Dasara elephant gained an average weight of 300 to 400 kg in just a matter of 44 days due to the special food supplements were given to them during their stay in Mysuru Palace.
Three Dasara elephants take part in Srirangapatna Dasara procession
Sidramappa also mentioned that for the first time, three Dasara elephants led by Abhimanyu and female elephants Varalakshmi and Cauvery took part in the Dasara celebration held at Srirangapatna a few days ago.
