Mysuru: Karnataka forest officials are considering Prashantha, a 54-year-old tusker from the Dubare elephant camp, among the leading contenders to carry the golden howdah during the Mysuru Dasara procession after Mahendra reportedly failed the endurance test during rehearsals.

Prashantha, who has participated in the Mysuru Dasara festivities for more than 18 years, is among the three elephants remaining in contention, along with Ekalavya and Gopi. The final selection will be made by the authorities in Bengaluru after assessing the elephants’ physical fitness, endurance, temperament and ability to handle the demands of the procession.

Five elephants were initially shortlisted for the prestigious responsibility. However, Mahendra was ruled out after failing the endurance test during rehearsals.

Prashantha brings years of Dasara experience

Prashantha, who weighs around 5,100 kg, is housed at the Dubare elephant camp and is handled by mahouts JA Chinnappa and Kavadi Chandru.

The tusker was captured in the Karekoppa forest area in 1993 and has since become an experienced participant in the annual Dasara celebrations. His long association with the festivities is considered an advantage as officials evaluate candidates for the lead role.

According to a senior government official, the remaining four elephants performed well in cannon-fire tests, wooden-howdah rehearsals and regular exercises. They also gained weight, an important consideration in assessing their suitability for carrying the heavy ceremonial howdah.

Following Mahendra’s exclusion, the choice has narrowed to Prashantha, Ekalavya and Gopi. The final decision will depend on the authorities’ assessment of their overall readiness for the procession.

Physical fitness and temperament are crucial

Selecting the golden howdah elephant involves more than evaluating size and strength. The animal must remain calm amid large crowds, loud noises and the prolonged demands of the procession.

DN Nagaraj, a former veterinarian who guided Arjuna, Balarama and Abhimanyu when they served as lead elephants over nearly two decades, said the selection process considers several factors.

These include the elephant’s physical build, gait, emotional steadiness, endurance, obedience and temperament. The lead elephant must be able to carry the ceremonial load while remaining composed throughout the event.

The cannon-fire tests and rehearsals help officials assess how the animals respond to loud sounds and unfamiliar surroundings. Regular exercises also help determine whether they can sustain the physical effort required during the procession.

Dhananjaya ruled out of Mysuru procession

Dhananjaya is not being considered for the Mysuru golden howdah responsibility because he has been assigned to carry the golden howdah during the Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations.

Established practice rules out his participation in the Mysuru event once he has been assigned the corresponding responsibility at Srirangapatna.

This leaves Prashantha, Ekalavya and Gopi as the final contenders, with the forest department and other authorities expected to take the final call.

Golden howdah demands considerable endurance

The golden howdah, along with its cushion, decorative clothing and other accompanying items, weighs approximately 1,000 kg. The lead elephant must carry this substantial load during the procession, making physical conditioning and endurance essential.

The procession route stretches for around 5 km, from Mysuru Palace to the Banni Mantap Parade Grounds. The journey reportedly takes between 70 and 80 minutes, although the lead elephant must remain prepared for the broader demands of the event and the extended time spent amid crowds.

The elephant’s ability to manage the load safely, maintain a steady gait and remain calm throughout the procession is central to the selection process.

Abhimanyu rested after turning 60

Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah six times, has been rested after turning 60. The decision follows a Karnataka High Court order barring elephants aged 60 and above from undertaking physically demanding tasks.

His absence has added importance to the selection of a suitable successor capable of meeting the physical and behavioural requirements of the role.

The golden howdah elephant occupies a central place in the Mysuru Dasara procession, one of the festival’s most prominent attractions. The chosen tusker must combine strength and endurance with the temperament needed to navigate a crowded route safely.

With Mahendra out of contention and Dhananjaya assigned to Srirangapatna, the selection now rests on the remaining candidates. Prashantha’s experience makes him a prominent contender, but the final choice will be determined by the authorities following their assessment of the elephants’ fitness and suitability.