Mysuru: To mark the beginning of Dasara celebrations (Navarathri celebrations will be held for 11 days this year) during  first half of October 2016 the traditional Gajapayana (journey of elephants) is likely to begin after independence day towards the city palace.

This year’s  Nada Habba( festival of the land) will be the second major  event after Yaduveer and Trishika’s wedding in the cultural city.

Based on the astrologers’ green signal,a group of 15 elephants will head to Mysore between Aug 18th and Aug 22 , 2016 and the district administration is making all arrangements to welcome the Jumbos at the world renowned Amba Vilas Palace premises in Mysuru.

The elephants numbering 15 in two batches will be led by the Golden Howdah carrier ‘Arjuna’ from Veerana Hoshalli area of Nagrahole forest range in Hunsur taluk. Elephant Ganjendra will join the rest from K.Gudi elephant camp and will assume the duties as throne elephant (Pattadane). The presence of 68-year-old female elephant Sarala, two new male elephants Bheema and Krishna and Gajendra which killed Srirama last year will feature in special list among many others.

Expenses

Last year around Rs 44 lakhs was spent towards expenses including those of tribal men and mahout families taking care of elephants during their stay in Mysuru.The forest department incurred Rs 27 lakhs but the expenses shot up due to the number of elephants (50) and the balance amount of Rs 17 lakhs was borne by the Dasara committee.This year the forest department has placed a proposal asking the Dasara committee to bear the entire cost. The final decision on this issue will be taken up during the Dasara preparatory meeting on Aug 9, according to DC Shikha.

Whatever may be the odds, Mysureans are eagerly looking forward to witness the Majestic march of elephants along wide roads of city from Palace to Bannimantap  on the Vijayadashmi day like every other year.