Mysore, Oct. 4 (KK&KMC)- Balarama, the lead elephant of Jumboo Savari, today began his practice of carrying the 750-kg howdah, albeit a wooden replica of the golden howdah and 100- kg lesser than the actual weight.

Balarama stood at the specially erected permanent stand within the Palace premises where the howdah is tied onto his back, for nearly 90 minutes, starting 7.30 am. They mahouts and kavadis, led by Balarama’s Mahout Sannappa, were assisted by veterinarian Dr. Nagaraj.

The practice procession comprising 12 elephants including Balarama, left the Palace premises at 9.30 am, marching through the Jumboo Savari route — Sayyaji Rao Road, Bannimantap and back to the Palace by noon. Each elephant had two persons astride — a mahout and a kavadi. Police protection was provided all along the march and traffic was temporarily halted to allow the procession to pass.

The other two male elephants, Arjuna and Abhimanyu, will be laden with the wooden howdah from tomorrow onwards in order to familiarise them with the weight and prepare them as alternatives to Balarama.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore