Mandya: Dhananjaya, a 45-year-old elephant from Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu, will replace Mahendra in carrying the nearly 500kg wooden howdah during this year’s Srirangapatna Dasara procession.Forest officials and experts took the decision after 42-year-old Mahendra was found reluctant to carry the weight during the Mysuru Dasara rehearsals.Dhananjaya, who has performed well during the ongoing Mysuru Dasara rehearsals, including exercises involving weight-bearing, has emerged as the preferred choice for the big role. Lakshmi, a 54-year-old elephant from Balle camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, and Rupa from Dubare camp will also participate in the Dasara celebrations.Mahendra had carried the wooden howdah during the Srirangapatna Dasara procession for the past four years. However, during a recent Mysuru Dasara rehearsal, he was reluctant to carry the nearly 500kg load. He made three to four halts before reaching Ayurveda College, after which he stopped. Forest officials, along with his mahout and kavadi, subsequently removed the load. Following the incident, officials assessed the suitability of elephants for the Srirangapatna procession and selected Dhananjaya for the coveted role.DCF (wildlife) IG Prabhugouda confirmed that Dhananjaya, Lakshmi and Rupa will participate in this year’s Srirangapatna Dasara, scheduled to be held from Oct 15 to 18. Actor-director V Ravichandran will inaugurate the celebrations.
