Dasara elephant Lakshmi gives birth to male calf on Mysuru palace premises

MYSURU: Lakshmi, a 22-year-old Dasara elephant, which came from the forest to a palace to take part in the Dasara procession gave birth to a male calf on Tuesday night, bringing cheer to the mahouts, kavadis and forest officials.

This is the second such instance where an elephant has given birth to a calf on the palace premises during the Dasara preparations. Fifteen years ago, Dasara elephant Sarala had given birth to a female calf which was later named Chamundi.

Lakshmi with her newborn calf.

This is the second time Lakshmi is participating in the Dasara festivities. In 2017, she participated for the first time, but was unnerved by the firing of cannons during practice and did not participate in the Dasara procession on Vijayadashami day. However, this time, Lakshmi remained calm during the practice.

On Tuesday afternoon, there was a change in Lakshmi’s behavior. After examination, veterinary doctors found Lakshmi to be pregnant, and she was immediately shifted to a safe location. At 8.10 pm, Lakshmi gave birth to a male calf. Officials are planning to name the calf as Ganapati.