Grand farewell for veteran mahout

Mysore, Aug 12 :-

 This year Dasara festivities will bid grand farewell for veteran mahout Sannappa, who holds the unassailable record of riding howdah elephant Balarama for 10

successive years in a row during world famous ‘Jamboo Savari’ on Vijayadashmi Day. The 58-year-old Sannappa, who was born on December 31, 1950, is due to retire from service next year. But, it’s all likely that Sannappa would mount Balarama for one last time and will assist his successor Thimma, Balarama’s kavadi, during next year Jamboo Savari.

Dr Nagaraj, veterinarian doctor (Wildlife) and in-charge for Dasara elephants, said that the bonding between Balarama and Sannappa is remarkable and a personification for human-animal relations in the era of increasing conflicts.

Recalling an instance, Mr Nagaraj said that Balarama refuses to take food from anybody else except Sannappa. However, he said that Thimma was well groomed and can easily fill into the shoes of Sannappa. “Thimma also has got nine years association with Balarama and he understands the jumbo every well”. 

Even during 2008 Dasara festivities, Thimma has taken care of Balarama after Sannappa sustained internal fracture on his foot on the day of Gajapayana. Mr Yathish

Kumar, DCF (Wildlife), Mysore Division, said: “Balarama is an obedient elephant. He obeys the command of Thimma, who is capable enough to replace Sannappa. However, the Forest Department will miss the service of Sannappa”.

The 51-year-old Balarama was caught in 1987 in the Kattepura forest near Somavarpet. Till now, the gentle giant as taken part in the Dasara procession 15 times, carrying the golden howdah 10 times under the guidance of its mahout Sannappa.

Infusing an element of grace and royal splendour to Dasara, the caparisoned elephants led by howdah elephant Balarama decked in all their finery during the Vijayadasami procession, steal the show year after year.

 Gajapayana today:

Thursday is Gajapayana and all arrangements are made for the customary march of first batch of Dasara elements from woods of Nagarhole National Park to Mysore Palace.
Unlike earlier, the Gajayapayana would be on a grand scale. Sea of flowers and colorful flags will welcome every one at Veeranahosahalli, the venue for the event.

Mysore District Incharge Minister Shobha Karandlaje will inaugurate the event at 11.30 am. The first batch of six elephants comprising howdah elephant Balarama, Arjuna, Gajendra, Abimanyu, Sarala and Varalaxshmi will start their journey.