Mysuru: KV Stanly, activist and co-founder of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, has urged the Karnataka government to ban the use of elephants at Mysuru Dasara, district-level Dasara celebrations and other government and private events, and adopt technology-based alternatives.
In a petition submitted to the Governor, Chief Minister, Forest Minister and other authorities, Stanly argued that using elephants in public celebrations violated their right to live with dignity. He also submitted representations to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission and the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board, among other bodies, seeking action on the issue.
Stanly said he would also petition President Droupadi Murmu, the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court, urging them to intervene and end the use of elephants in such events.
Recent incidents raise safety concerns
Citing recent incidents involving elephants at public celebrations, Stanly called on the government to reconsider the practice. He referred to an incident at Shivamogga Dasara on Wednesday, when a howdah-carrying elephant reportedly lost control and caused panic among the public. He also cited a similar incident on the Mysuru Palace premises last year.
According to Stanly, such incidents highlight the risks involved in using elephants in crowded public events and underline the need for alternatives that do not put people or animals at risk.
The use of elephants remains a prominent feature of Mysuru Dasara, particularly during the Jamboo Savari procession, when an elephant carries the Golden Howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The procession attracts large crowds and is among the festival’s most recognised traditions.
Stanly, however, argued that cultural traditions should not come at the cost of animal welfare and public safety.
Cites Supreme Court judgment on animal welfare
In his petition, Stanly referred to the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in Animal Welfare Board of India versus A Nagaraja and Others. He argued that the principles outlined in the judgment supported the need to protect animals from cruelty and ensure that they were treated with dignity.
He maintained that every animal deserved respect and freedom from unnecessary pain and suffering.
Stanly contended that the use of elephants in Dasara processions raised questions about their welfare, particularly when they were exposed to loud drums, bands, firecrackers and large crowds.
He alleged that keeping elephants chained for extended periods amid such disturbances caused distress and that requiring them to carry a heavy howdah during lengthy processions placed an additional burden on the animals.
Questions raised over howdah and procession conditions
Stanly claimed that elephants were made to carry a howdah weighing more than 750 kg for four to five hours during Dasara processions. He argued that the physical demands, noise and crowded surroundings could cause stress and discomfort to the animals.
He called for the government to assess these practices in the light of animal welfare principles and replace the use of live elephants with technology-based alternatives.
The petition also referred to the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, Project Elephant and guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Stanly further cited concerns raised by the Animal Welfare Board of India regarding the use of elephants in processions.
He urged the authorities to examine the relevant legal provisions and guidelines while considering a prohibition on the use of elephants at public and private events.
Calls for technology-based alternatives
Stanly’s demand extends beyond the main Mysuru Dasara celebrations to district-level Dasara festivals and other government-organised and private events where elephants are used.
He urged the government to explore technology-based alternatives that would allow celebrations to continue without involving captive elephants.
The petition places the spotlight on the balance between preserving cultural traditions, protecting animal welfare and ensuring public safety. While the Golden Howdah procession remains a defining feature of Mysuru Dasara, Stanly has called for a policy shift that would remove live elephants from such celebrations.
The representations have been submitted to multiple state and national authorities for consideration. No government decision on the demand was mentioned in the information provided.