Forest department begins health assessment of elephants for Mysuru Dasara
According to a press release from the Forest Department, a team headed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) is visiting various elephant camps to identify and appraise suitable jumbos. During these visits, health conditions of elephants are being assessed to ensure they are physically fit to participate in the festivities.
After the preliminary selection, veterinarians will conduct detailed health examinations of the shortlisted elephants. As part of the health assessment process this year, pregnancy tests for all female elephants are being conducted. The samples have been sent to laboratories for confirmation. Based on the lab reports, a final list of elephants suitable for the festivities will be prepared in consultation with higher authorities, and the report will be sent to the government for approval, the press release stated.
Upon receiving the government's approval, the Forest Minister will announce the official list of elephants chosen to participate in this year's Mysuru Dasara. The list is expected to be released after July 20. Following this, arrangements for their transportation to Mysuru will begin.
Traditionally, once the elephants are finalised, they are brought to Mysuru from Veeranahosahalli in Nagarahole forests as part of the Gajapayana ritual on a designated date, marking the ceremonial start of their journey. The elephants usually arrive in two batches.
Upon their arrival, the Forest Department and the Mysuru Palace Board make comprehensive arrangements for their accommodation at the Mysuru Palace premises, where temporary sheds, bathing facilities, veterinary care, and tight security are provided. The elephants undergo training under their mahouts and kavadi assistants, to acclimatise them to the festive atmosphere and crowds they will encounter during the grand procession.
In 2024, the Forest Department selected 18 elephants, out of which 14 participated in the Dasara festivities. The elephant team last year comprised: Abhimanyu, 58 years – howdah elephant; Dhananjaya, 33; Mahendra, 41; Bheema, 24; Gopi, 42; Prashantha, 51; Sugreeva, 42; Kanjan, 25; Rohit, 22; Ekalavya, 39 – participating for the first time, along with Varalakshmi (68); Lakshmi (23); Doddaharave Lakshmi (53) and Hiranya (47).
Of these, five elephants were from the Dubare camp, four from Mattigodu, three from Ramapura, and one each from Bheemakatte and Doddaharave camps. The first batch to arrive last year included nine elephants led by Abhimanyu, while the second batch comprised Prashantha, Mahendra, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, and Hiranya.
With the selection process now underway, all eyes will be on the majestic elephants which will make Mysuru their home for nearly one and half months, preparing for the grand festivities.
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The Hindu
15 hours ago
- The Hindu
Forest department begins health assessment of elephants for Mysuru Dasara
Preparations for the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations have commenced with the Forest Department initiating health checks on elephants that are expected to be shortlisted for this year's festivities. The world-famous Dasara procession, celebrated for its royal tradition and cultural grandeur, prominently features caparisoned elephants led by the howdah elephant carrying the Golden Ambari. According to a press release from the Forest Department, a team headed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) is visiting various elephant camps to identify and appraise suitable jumbos. During these visits, health conditions of elephants are being assessed to ensure they are physically fit to participate in the festivities. After the preliminary selection, veterinarians will conduct detailed health examinations of the shortlisted elephants. As part of the health assessment process this year, pregnancy tests for all female elephants are being conducted. The samples have been sent to laboratories for confirmation. Based on the lab reports, a final list of elephants suitable for the festivities will be prepared in consultation with higher authorities, and the report will be sent to the government for approval, the press release stated. Upon receiving the government's approval, the Forest Minister will announce the official list of elephants chosen to participate in this year's Mysuru Dasara. The list is expected to be released after July 20. Following this, arrangements for their transportation to Mysuru will begin. Traditionally, once the elephants are finalised, they are brought to Mysuru from Veeranahosahalli in Nagarahole forests as part of the Gajapayana ritual on a designated date, marking the ceremonial start of their journey. The elephants usually arrive in two batches. Upon their arrival, the Forest Department and the Mysuru Palace Board make comprehensive arrangements for their accommodation at the Mysuru Palace premises, where temporary sheds, bathing facilities, veterinary care, and tight security are provided. The elephants undergo training under their mahouts and kavadi assistants, to acclimatise them to the festive atmosphere and crowds they will encounter during the grand procession. In 2024, the Forest Department selected 18 elephants, out of which 14 participated in the Dasara festivities. The elephant team last year comprised: Abhimanyu, 58 years – howdah elephant; Dhananjaya, 33; Mahendra, 41; Bheema, 24; Gopi, 42; Prashantha, 51; Sugreeva, 42; Kanjan, 25; Rohit, 22; Ekalavya, 39 – participating for the first time, along with Varalakshmi (68); Lakshmi (23); Doddaharave Lakshmi (53) and Hiranya (47). Of these, five elephants were from the Dubare camp, four from Mattigodu, three from Ramapura, and one each from Bheemakatte and Doddaharave camps. The first batch to arrive last year included nine elephants led by Abhimanyu, while the second batch comprised Prashantha, Mahendra, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, and Hiranya. With the selection process now underway, all eyes will be on the majestic elephants which will make Mysuru their home for nearly one and half months, preparing for the grand festivities.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Police focusing on safety of people during Dasara procession
Mysuru: In the aftermath of the stampede in Bengaluru, Karnataka police are focusing more on the safety of tourists, devotees, and spectators during the Dasara procession, which is the USP of the Dasara celebration and attracts crowds in the lakhs. It has suggested cutting down on entry tickets for effective crowd regulation. The Dasara procession route in Mysuru, spanning five kms from Mysuru Palace to Banni Mantap, has been a point of concern. Despite attracting lakhs of devotees each year, the route lacks a dedicated development plan, raising significant safety issues. Stakeholders have advocated for the route to be upgraded to a model road, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures. The govt's intervention in this matter is crucial, as the Dasara procession is not only a cultural spectacle but also a significant economic driver for the region. A well-planned and maintained procession route would enhance the overall experience for devotees and visitors, while also ensuring their safety. Furthermore, neglecting such a culturally significant event and its associated infrastructure could be perceived as a lack of respect for the region's rich heritage and traditions. It is essential for the authorities to recognise the importance of preserving and promoting cultural events while prioritising the safety and well-being of the participants. A comprehensive development plan that addresses infrastructure, crowd management, and safety measures is crucial to ensure the successful and safe conduct of this culturally significant event. Recent incidents, like the Bengaluru stampede and the latest Puri Rath Yatra stampede, have heightened the urgency for government action. Tourism stakeholder BS Prashanth said the govt should focus on areas where there will be more crowds like Chamarajendra Wadiyar Circle or Old Statue Circle, Krishnaraja Circle, and Visvesvaraya Circle. Instead of using plastic chairs, moulded sports seats that are available for rent can be brought. Reduce number of tickets: Police chief Commissioner of police Seema Latkar said that police have suggested reducing the number of tickets that are issued to witness the spectacle of the Mysuru Dasara procession. As of now, about 54k tickets are issued, and facilitating ticket holders to reach the dedicated area is the biggest challenge for the police. We informed district minister HC Mahadevappa to bring down the tickets to 20k, and the minister has positively replied to it, she said. Meanwhile, more holding areas would be created to prevent incidents of stampede, and barricading will be effectively done to regulate the crowd, Latkar stated. Historian NS Rangaraj suggested the govt focus on crowd monitoring and deployment of an additional police force than usual as a precaution, as Dasara is a crowd-puller. Recently, there was a stampede in Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha, and this should serve as an eye-opener. A dedicated development plan, with a focus on safety and heritage conservation, is essential. This will not only safeguard the well-being of the devotees but also enhance the overall experience of this historic event, which has been celebrated for centuries. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
The Hindu
a day ago
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Amrabad Tiger Reserve to be closed for tourists for next three months
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