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TOO MUCH? Elephant Balarama carries the howdah during the Dasara procession in Mysore Pic Satish Badiger |
They are demanding that the howdah, which the elephants carry during the procession in Mysore should me made lighter. They suggest that a wooden replica be made for processions.
While they have a grouse against the heavy weight the elephants have to carry, activists are however, happy that the elephants have gained weight.
"I have made this my mission in life. The golden howdah which elephant Balarama carries weighs 750kg. In addition there are many other things put on the howdah and the total weight comes up to 1,000kg. The elephants have to stand with this weight for two hours before going on the 2-km procession," said Savitha Nagabhushan, animal activist and wildlife photographer.
Museum piece?
Savitha suggests that the howdah be replaced with its wooden replica. "The original golden howdah can be kept in the palace museum and a similar wooden howdah can be made for the procession.
"I have spoken to forest officials about reducing the burden of the elephants, but they say that people are not open to change. I will see that it is changed. I have moved from Bangalore to Mysore and it should be easier for me now to fight for the cause," she said.
Savitha is, however, happy that the elephants are well taken care of and have gained weight.
"The elephants are kept in a camp in Mysore for 45 days before Dasara. During the time, the elephants gained a lot of weight. Balarama, who carries the howdah and has a celebrity status, has gained over 200kg in this time.
"I have enquired about the food and found that they were well taken care of," Savitha said.
6.30 am to 7 am, And 7 pm to 7.30 am
Black gram, green gram, wheat, boiled rice cooked together with vegetables, salt and butter
4.30 pm and 10.30 pm
Paddy straw with coconuts, groundnut cakes, jaggery and (after practice of procession which is held two times) salt. Banyan leaves are fed throughout the day
