MYSORE: The first batch of jumbos which had left for Mysore from Nagarahole National Park on August 8, was given a warm reception at the Jayamarthanda entrance of the Amba Vilas palace here on Thursday. As per the traditional rituals, elephants, led by Balarama, arrived at the Jayamarthanda entrance to participate in Dasara festivities.But, there were no government representatives except MLC G Madhusudan.In the absence of ministers, District Administration led by Deputy Commissioner P S Vastrad welcomed the elephants by performing the rituals.Colourful rangolis adorned the path leading to Jayamarthanda entrance and palace premises. District administration receives mahouts and kavadis by offering fruits and flowers.The six elephants-Balarama, Arjuna, Gange, Mary, Gajendra and Abhimanyu- were offered jaggery, sugarcane and fruits.Shashishekara Dixith, the main priest of Chamundeshwari Temple, performed a pooja and prayed to Goddess Chamundeshwari for the success of Dasara and bless the state with prosperity.After performing the traditional welcome, the jumbos walked from Jayamarthanda gate to the entrance of the Ambavilas palace, which was a rare sight for tourists.Video conference to decide on tableauxAfter participating in the traditional welcome programme, Deputy Commissioner P S Vastrad said the government had set aside Rs 10 crore for Dasara and already 6 crore was released. However, this year also the district administration will take some economy measures as done in the last year and will pay more attention to traditional festivities.He also said he will hold a video conference with all the deputy commissioners of the state to finalise the concept of the tableaux. The administration had already taken required steps to provide temporary sheds for the families of mahouts and kavadis who would be staying here for the next one and a half months, he added.
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