Mysuru: With just a fortnight remaining for Gajapayana, scheduled for August 26, concerns have been raised over the impact of prolonged loud music and high-volume concerts on elephants housed at the Mysuru Palace during the Dasara festivities. Veterinarians, animal rights activists and wildlife experts have urged authorities to regulate the volume and duration of music programmes held in front of the illuminated palace.
The Forest Department is expected to bring around 12 elephants, including four female elephants, from forest camps to Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations. The elephants are likely to remain in the city for about 55 days, during which they will undergo training and participate in various events culminating in the Vijayadashami procession.
Experts flag impact of loud music
Animal rights activists have pointed out that elephants have sensitive hearing and may be particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to amplified music, heavy bass and high-volume sound.
Savitha Nagabhushan of People for Animals said prolonged exposure to loud music could cause stress among elephants and disturb their normal behavioural and resting patterns.
She said cultural celebrations were important but argued that they should not come at the cost of animal welfare. According to her, the volume and duration of concerts should be regulated when elephants are housed in the vicinity.
A Forest Department staff member also said that loud music played between around 5 pm and 11 pm could disturb the elephants and affect their response to mahouts.
The staff member pointed out that elephants underwent measures such as mud therapy, cold-water baths and oil massages during last year’s Dasara period to help them cope with the demands of the festivities.
Palace structure also faces concern
The concern is not limited to the elephants. Heritage experts have also raised questions about the possible impact of continuous sound and vibrations on the historic Mysuru Palace.
Heritage expert N S Rangaraju said loud music could affect not only elephants but also other animals housed or present around the palace, including camels and birds.
He also expressed concern about the palace structure, noting that the building was constructed using lime mortar and already has several cracks.
According to Rangaraju, vibrations and sound waves generated by high-volume music could potentially place additional stress on the historic structure.
The concerns have prompted calls for better sound engineering and stricter control over the volume of concerts held close to the palace.
Changing pattern of Dasara concerts
Rangaraju also recalled the historical significance of music programmes held in front of Mysuru Palace.
In the past, performances at the palace were regarded as a privilege and an important part of the Wadiyar tradition of promoting music, art and culture. Several renowned classical musicians, including M Balamuralikrishna, Bhimsen Joshi and Gangubai Hangal, performed at the palace during Dasara.
According to him, the nature of the concerts has changed over the years, with programmes becoming longer to accommodate more artists.
He suggested that officials consider limiting the duration of performances and giving greater emphasis to classical music while ensuring that appropriate sound engineering systems are used.
Wildlife experts call for caution
Wildlife photographer Krupakar said sound itself could be a form of pollution for elephants and warned that modern sound systems can produce powerful effects.
He stressed the need to consider the specific needs of elephants during the Dasara period and avoid unnecessary sources of stress.
The concerns come at a time when preparations for the annual festival are gathering pace. The selection process for the Dasara elephants has reportedly been completed, and the final list is expected to be confirmed at a committee meeting next week.
Conservator of Forests S S Ravishankar has said he would communicate the concerns regarding loud music to Dasara executive committee chairman S Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Mysuru Deputy Commissioner and Special Officer G Lakshmikanth Reddy.
Elephants already face several stresses
Experts have pointed out that the elephants face several physical and environmental challenges during their stay in Mysuru.
Elephants accustomed to forest terrain are required to walk long distances on concrete and tar roads as part of their training. They may cover nearly 10 km a day, placing additional strain on their feet and joints.
The animals are also exposed to the noise generated by crowds, traffic and celebrations.
Another concern is the training of the lead elephant to carry the golden howdah, or Ambari, during the Vijayadashami procession. Sandbags are reportedly used during training to help prepare the elephant for the load.
Experts said the weight and pressure associated with such training can affect the animal’s chest and overall physical condition, with some elephants reportedly requiring weeks to recover after the main procession.
Cannon firing adds to noise
The use of cannon fire during Dasara rehearsals is another source of concern for animal welfare experts.
Repeated firing, particularly when conducted at close range, can severely stress elephants. Experts have warned that extreme stress could potentially have serious physiological consequences for the animals.
The elephants also undergo changes in their diet during the Dasara period. The introduction of protein-rich food and other dietary changes may affect their health and require careful monitoring.
Against this backdrop, experts argue that unnecessary exposure to loud music is one stress factor that can be addressed relatively easily.
Calls for balance between celebration and welfare
The concerns do not amount to opposition to Dasara celebrations or cultural programmes. Instead, animal welfare advocates and experts are calling for measures that allow festivities to continue while reducing avoidable stress on elephants.
Regulating the volume and duration of concerts, improving sound engineering and maintaining a reasonable distance between loudspeakers and the elephants could help reduce exposure to excessive noise.
The issue is expected to gain greater attention as the arrival of the Dasara elephants approaches.
With Gajapayana scheduled for August 26, the Forest Department and Dasara authorities will have to balance the cultural traditions associated with the festival with the welfare of the elephants and the preservation of the historic palace.
For experts, reducing excessive noise is one practical step that can be taken without affecting the essence of the celebrations.