Mahendra carries 325 kg as Dasara elephants begin ‘Ambari’ training
Dasara elephants in India have begun weight-carrying training for the upcoming Jamboo Savari festival following the retirement of the veteran lead elephant, Abhimanyu. The Forest Department is currently evaluating several tuskers, including Mahendra, to determine which will carry the 750-kg golden howdah.
Why it matters
The selection and training of these elephants are central to the cultural heritage and traditional festivities of the Dasara celebration in Mysore.
Even as all nine Dasara elephants undergo training for the Jamboo Savari, the next phase of weight-carrying training began here on Monday.
Unlike previous years, the lead elephant for the 750-kg golden howdah (ambari) during the Jamboo Savari is yet to be finalised following the retirement of Abhimanyu, who carried it for six consecutive years.
The elephant turned 60 in April this year, and the Forest Department decided to rest the tusker in accordance with existing government guidelines.
The Forest Department has identified three to four tuskers as possible successors to Abhimanyu. Mahendra, Dhananjaya, Ekalavya and Prashantha are among those shortlisted for the role of lead elephant.
Even when Abhimanyu was the lead elephant, some of the other tuskers underwent weight-carrying training as a backup for the prestigious task.
Mahendra carried nearly 325 kg during the ‘line taleem’ held here on Monday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in