Mysuru
The Dasara elephants, currently camping in the Mysore Palace premises, had an unusual set of visitors on Monday — not tourists or devotees, but heads of various government departments, led by Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikant Reddy, who arrived with their families and friends to celebrate Ganesha festival in the company of the royal jumbos.
The officials came to the Palace to seek the blessings of the “real Ganesha” — the majestic elephants that have become the star attraction ahead of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara. For a change, the jumbos were not merely undergoing training for the grand Dasara procession; they were also expected to play gracious hosts to the VVIP guests.
The Forest Department staff had taken special care to get the elephants ready for the occasion. The jumbos were colourfully decorated and made to stand patiently as the visiting dignitaries posed for photographs with them.
After receiving the ceremonial salute from the elephants, the officials spent some time with the jumbos before leaving the Palace premises.
The visit, however, came with a reminder of why the elephants are now being kept firmly behind barricades. This year, the Forest Department has imposed restrictions on the public approaching the elephant enclosure by installing metal barricades. The move follows last year’s spectacle of “reel makers” getting dangerously close to the elephants and even filming themselves holding the trunks of the jumbos in pursuit of social-media fame.
Apparently, the Forest Department has decided that the elephants should remain elephants — and not become unwilling actors in Instagram and social-media reels.
The barricades may have disappointed those hoping for a close-up “elephant selfie”, but they are intended to ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors. After all, a Dasara jumbo may patiently salute a VVIP, but it certainly does not come with a “retake” button.
With the Dasara festivities fast approaching, the elephants will remain under close observation and training. For now, they have completed another important Dasara assignment — receiving dignitaries, posing for photographs and patiently tolerating the human fascination with their trunks.
