In preparation for the grand Jamboo Savari, weight checks for nine Dasara elephants revealed that 57-year-old Srikanta is the heaviest at 5,790 kg. Training for the iconic procession begins on August 31.
- Srikanta weighs 5,790 kg, making him the heaviest of the nine elephants.
- Weight checks conducted to ensure health and fitness for the gold howdah.
- Training for the Jamboo Savari is scheduled to commence on August 31.
As the city of Mysuru gears up for the world-famous Dasara celebrations, the health and fitness of the participating elephants have taken center stage. On Sunday, August 30, nine elephants arrived for the festivities underwent a rigorous weight check at a weighbridge. Srikanta, a 57-year-old tusker hailing from the Mathigodu elephant camp, emerged as the heaviest, weighing a massive 5,790 kg.
The exercise, supervised by officials from the Forest Department, is a critical part of the pre-procession protocol. It ensures that the elephants are in optimal physical condition to handle the demands of the Jamboo Savari. The movement of these gentle giants through the city streets drew massive crowds, with residents and tourists eagerly capturing photographs of the animals.
BozokMedia analysis shows that the physical capacity of the lead elephant is paramount for the safety of the golden howdah and the overall success of the procession. Weight monitoring allows veterinarians to tailor nutritional plans, ensuring that elephants who are slightly underweight receive the necessary supplements to build the strength required for the event.
| Elephant Name | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| Srikanta | 5,790 |
| Ekalavya | 5,600 |
| Dhananjaya | 5,530 |
| Mahendra | 5,490 |
| Prashantha | 5,205 |
| Gopi | 5,170 |
Following Srikanta, tusker Ekalavya weighed in at 5,600 kg, and Dhananjaya at 5,530 kg. Other elephants exceeding the 5,000 kg mark included Mahendra, Prashantha, and Gopi. In contrast, the female elephants, Lakshmi and Kaveri, weighed 3,990 kg and 3,075 kg, respectively.
"Precise weight monitoring and specialized diets are essential to maintain the equilibrium and stamina of elephants during high-stress public events."
The elephants, who entered the Mysuru palace premises on August 28 as part of the Gajapayana, are now housed in temporary shelters. Their mahouts and kavadis are also staying on-site to ensure constant care. Starting Monday, the animals will begin their routine training to acclimatize to the noise and crowds of the festival.
Q1: Why is the weight of Dasara elephants monitored?
A: It is done to assess their health and fitness to ensure they can safely carry the heavy golden howdah during the procession.
Q2: Who is the heaviest elephant for the 2026 Dasara?
A: Srikanta, from the Mathigodu camp, is the heaviest at 5,790 kg.
