MYSURU: As preparations are under way for the world famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations, elephant Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah till last year, arrived in the city on Monday.
Abhimanyu has been selected as Nishane elephant in this year’s Dasara festival after retiring from the task of carrying golden ambari (howdah). Fans of Abhimanyu had demanded that a proper farewell should be given to Abhimanyu during the Dasara festival.
As per wishes of the fans, Abhimanyu is participating in this year’s Dasara. On Monday, the Palace Board gave a traditional welcome to Abhimanyu while fans presented a special peta, made from red and gold colour, as a gift to Abhimanyu. The peta is modelled on what Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar used to wear and weighs about 6 to 8 kg.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Prabhugowda said, “The government has selected Abhimanyu as Nishane elephant. Today, we have welcomed him by offering pooja. Abhimanyu does not need training, he is accustomed to the noises. From tomorrow, Abhimanyu will participate in training. On October 7, 9 and 12, we will do training of firing cannon. The public is requested to maintain distance and view the elephants. No one should come near the animals”.
Chamaraja MLA V Srivatsa said, “It has become like there is no Dasara without Abhimanyu. Finally, he has come for the Dasara. I thank the government for selecting Abhimanyu as Nishane elephant. I too participated in the puja and it brought me happiness”.
