Mysuru’s Dasara Jumbo Savari will feature 54-year-old elephant Prashantha carrying the 750-kg golden howdah from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantapa on Wednesday, with the procession scheduled to begin at around 4 pm. The route will cover approximately 4.5 km through some of the city’s busiest public streets.
Prashantha, who has about 18 years of experience participating in the Jumbo Savari, was selected for his experience, sturdy build and ability to remain calm amid flashing lights and loud sounds. He weighs approximately 5,500 kg and will lead the central ceremonial movement from the palace premises to Bannimantapa.
The procession will pass through K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road and Abul Kalam Azad Circle before reaching Bannimantapa. Large crowds are expected to gather along both sides of the route, with people occupying vantage points to watch the finale of the Mysuru Dasara festivities.
The Jumbo Savari has continued from the period of the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysore. During the royal era, the reigning Maharaja travelled in the procession on the golden howdah. After the establishment of elected government, an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru, was placed in the howdah instead.
Prashantha’s selection was welcomed by his mahout, Chinnappa, who said he had earlier accompanied the elephant during the procession and had hoped to guide the howdah-carrying elephant. He said the selection gave him the opportunity to lead Prashantha along the procession route and expressed confidence that the elephant could carry a load of about 1,000 kg with ease.
Conservator of Forests Ravishankar said Prashantha’s lack of panic in response to flashing lights and sound was a key reason for his selection. Ravishankar also said the elephant had experience in Dasara festivities and displayed good temperament, while coordinating well with his mahout and kavadis during the procession.
Thirteen elephants were selected from various camps for this year’s Dasara festivities, and they began rehearsing for the Jumbo Savari about two months ago. One of the elephants previously designated to carry the golden howdah, Mahendra, was placed under rest after halting midway during a rehearsal a few days earlier.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru division, Prabhugouda Patil, said on Tuesday that all elephants participating in the Jumbo Savari were in excellent health and that their stress levels had been monitored. He said the elephants were stress-free and ready to take part in Wednesday’s procession.
