Bheema leads Sunday practice with weights on
1 min read
Mysuru: Bheema, the 24-year-old Dasara elephant, has gained immense popularity, comparable to the legendary tusker Arjuna. Arjuna, was killed in a fight with a rogue elephant in Dabballikatte forest area in Sakleshpur taluk in Hassan in December 2023.
Bheema, who is a part of howdah carrier Abhimanyu’s first batch of nine Dasara elephants, led the practice for Jamboo Savari on Sunday.
This majestic tusker, weighing 4945 kg, is a standout attraction from the Mattigodu Elephant Camp.
Bheema confidently led the elephants for five km distance from Mysore Palace to Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap, via Albert Victor road, K R Circle, Sayyajirao road, Government Ayurveda Hospital circle and Highway Circle, carrying a 550-kg load with ease, which included a gaadi, namda and cradle filled with sandbags and a forest department personnel.
Bheema has been participating in Dasara festivities since 2017. He was initially playing the role of Pattadaane (ceremonial elephant) and has since grown to become a prime candidate for the prestigious role of Howdah elephant in the coming years. His strength, speed and grace have captivated the public, much like Arjuna once did.
In addition to his role in the Jamboo Savari, Bheema is a key member of Captain Abhimanyu’s team, assisting in various operations involving the capture of elephants and tigers. He shares a close bond with his mahout Gundanna and his kavadi, Nanjundaswamy.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
