Kodagu’s Dubare Elephants Begin Journey to Mysuru for Dasara Festivities

The elephants, named Dhananjay, Gopi, and Kanjan, were honored with a special pooja before their departure, during which they were offered fruits as part of the ritual. Photo Courtesy: PV

Virajpet: Three majestic elephants from the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu, also known as Coorg, were dispatched to Mysuru on Wednesday in preparation for the upcoming Mysuru Dasara festivities. 

The elephants, named Dhananjay, Gopi, and Kanjan, were honored with a special pooja before their departure, during which they were offered fruits as part of the ritual. Following the ceremony, they were carefully transported to Mysuru in a specially designed lorry. Accompanying the elephants on this journey were their mahouts and their families, who play a crucial role in the care and handling of these magnificent animals.

Elephants hold a revered place in the Mysuru Dasara Festival, particularly during the grand procession on Vijayadashami day. The centerpiece of this procession is the lead elephant, who carries the Golden Howdah (Chinnada Ambari) that enshrines the Goddess Chamundeshwari. This Golden Howdah is a significant cultural symbol, weighing an impressive 750 kilograms and crafted entirely of gold.

According to forest department officials, the elephants arrive in Mysuru about a month before the start of the festival to begin their training for the grand procession. This period of preparation is crucial as the elephants practice their march and acclimate to the bustling environment of the city. The elephants are always accompanied by their mahouts, who ensure their well-being and manage their behavior during this intense period of activity.

While in their home camps, the elephants' diet typically consists of "Ragi mudde," a nutritious blend of ragi and horse gram, along with fodder branches. However, once they arrive in Mysuru as royal guests, their diet undergoes a significant upgrade to prepare them for the Dasara festivities. 

According to officials, the elephants are served a special "royal" diet that includes uddina bele (black gram), green gram, wheat, boiled rice, onion, and a variety of vegetables in the mornings and evenings. After their daily rehearsals, they are treated to a sumptuous meal of rice, groundnut, coconut, jaggery, sugarcane, and a pinch of salt for added flavor. Additionally, they are provided with branch fodder such as banyan leaves to round out their diet.

Officials emphasize that extra care is taken in the preparation and serving of food to these elephants. The diet is meticulously designed to be rich in calories and proteins, ensuring that the elephants remain in peak physical condition for their roles in the grand procession.

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