Dasara elephants accorded grand ceremonial welcome at Mysuru Palace

On Friday, the initial cohort of nine Dasara elephants received a grand ceremonial welcome at the Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysuru Palace. Dignitaries like Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Minister for Forest Ramalinga Reddy, and others were present for the welcome. A ceremonial pooja was performed, accompanied by traditional folk dances like Dollu Kunitha and Kamsale, as well as musical performances.

The nine elephants embarked from their forest home in Veeranahosahalli, Nagarahole, on Wednesday as part of Gajapayana. Upon reaching Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru, they marched to the Palace through multiple circles, a spectacle watched by crowds lining the streets, all under tight security. Siddaramaiah and Reddy welcomed the elephants and their mahouts and kavadis (caretakers) on behalf of the Mysuru Palace Board and the State government.

The mahouts and kavadis, who will reside in tents on Palace premises for about two months, received essential kits including cooking appliances, clothing, and bedding. Siddaramaiah emphasized their commitment to ensuring smooth and successful celebrations. The elephants that arrived on Friday were identified as Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha, and Srirama.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will decide the chief guest for the Dasara inauguration, slated to commence on October 11. Notable attendees included MLA T.S. Srivatsa, MLA K. Harish Gowda, MLA G.T. Deve Gowda, Legislative Council member C.N. Manjegowda, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikantha Reddy, and Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Yukesh Kumar.