Mysuru Dasara: Elephant Squad Bids Farewell After Grand Jumbo Savari
After a successful Jumbo Savari, the royal elephant squad bids farewell to Mysuru Palace. Read about Prashantha's historic role and the grand farewell.
The majestic elephants of the Mysuru Dasara elephant squad have officially bid farewell to the Mysore Palace, marking the end of one of India's most spectacular cultural celebrations. Following the successful completion of the Jumbo Savari, these gentle giants are now heading back to the sanctuary of the forest.
A Royal Send-off at Jayamarthanda Gate
To mark their departure, a special puja was organized for the elephant squad at the Jayamarthanda Gate. The ceremony was a gesture of gratitude for the animals' discipline and strength during the festivities. The squad members who participated in the final rituals included:
- Prashantha, Abhimanyu, and Dhananjaya
- Ekalavya, Mahendra, Gopi, and Srirama
- Srikantha, Sugriva, Kaveri, Chaitra, Roopa, and Lakshmi
As part of the farewell tradition, the elephants were treated to a feast of fruits and betel leaves before beginning their journey back to their natural habitats.
Prashantha: The Star of the Procession
DCF Dr. Prabhugowda expressed immense satisfaction with the conduct of the squad, with special praise reserved for Prashantha. This year, Prashantha took on the monumental task of carrying the 750-kg Golden Howdah, known as the Ambari, for the first time.
"The Dasara Jumbo Savari has concluded very successfully. Prashantha has lived up to all our expectations. He carried the Golden Howdah for 2 hours," stated Dr. Prabhugowda.
The official noted that Prashantha was an experienced elephant who had passed all necessary parameters during the selection process. Additionally, Abhimanyu was recognized for his role as the Nishane elephant, a prestigious position selected by the government.
The Grandeur of the Jamboo Savari
The festivities reached their peak on October 21, when Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar inaugurated the historic Jamboo Savari procession. The event, held during the auspicious Meena Lagna, saw the Chief Minister offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who was seated in the golden howdah atop Prashantha.
Dignitaries and Traditions
The celebration was a gathering of high-profile leaders and royal legacy, attended by:
- Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy
- Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheeshan
- Member of Parliament and Mysuru royal family representative Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
The Karnataka Chief Minister's Office described the Jamboo Savari as the "crown jewel" of the Mysuru Dasara, emphasizing its deep connection to Kannada cultural heritage and religious devotion. The procession serves as a bridge between royal traditions and public celebration, bringing together thousands of devotees and tourists at the historic Mysore Palace.
With the farewell ceremonies complete, the elephant squad will now return to their routine lives in the forest, leaving behind the echoes of the drums and the grandeur of the palace until the next year.