Mysuru: Prashantha, a 54-year-old elephant from Dubare Elephant Camp and the senior-most tusker participating in this year’s Mysuru Dasara, is all set to carry the golden howdah for the first time during the Vijayadashami procession on Wednesday.Though he has been part of the Dasara festivities for the past 18 years, Prashantha has largely remained away from the spotlight. With Abhimanyu being relieved of howdah duties, the focus has now shifted to the veteran tusker from Kodagu, who is poised to earn a place in Dasara history by carrying the coveted golden howdah.Apart from his strength and calm temperament, Prashantha’s impressive physical presence worked in his favour. By taking on the prestigious responsibility, he will join the ranks of legendary howdah elephants such as Dhrona, Balarama, Arjuna and Abhimanyu.The forest department assessed the participating elephants on several parameters, including physical fitness, walking pace, performance during training camps, responsiveness to mahouts and behaviour during rehearsals before selecting Prashantha for the honour. At 54, Prashantha is expected to lead the famed Dasara procession for many more years, with age on his side as he is set to turn 60 only in 2032.Speaking to TOI, SS Ravishankar, chief conservator of forests (Mysuru Circle), said Prashantha’s physical attributes, temperament and consistent performance during rehearsals worked in his favour. “Prashantha was captured in the Karekoppa forest in Shivamogga district in 1993. His broad and relatively flat upper back makes him suitable for carrying the golden howdah. His calm temperament, steady gait and ability to respond to the mahout’s instructions were also taken into consideration during the selection process. His performance during the rehearsals has been encouraging,” he said.The department assessed several elephants, including Sugreeva, Dhananjaya and Ekalavya, before choosing Prashantha.With nearly two decades of experience in Dasara festivities, the elephant is now preparing for his biggest assignment yet. For more than 15 years, JA Chinnappa has been the mahout of Prashantha, while Chandra has been taking care of him as kavadi.
