The Hindu : Karnataka News : Elephants scamper for cover

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 14, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Elephants scamper for cover

Special Correspondent

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Panic: An elephant making a dash for safety as crackers went off on Mysore palace premises on Saturday.

MYSORE: Fireworks, which marked the formal inauguration of Dasara festivities, sparked tension on the palace premises here on Saturday. Two elephants — Balarama and Gajendra — panicked and scampered for cover as the firecrackers went off.

The fireworks, said to be a novelty this year during the inauguration, were set off near the Jayamartanda Gate, the main entry point to the palace. As the crackers went off, Balarama, who was quenching his thirst in the palace courtyard, and Gajendra, who was nearby, let out a loud trumpet before making a dash for safety.

The two mahouts were astride the elephants, and it did not take them long to pacify them.

Balarama and Gajendra had finished their daily round of rehearsal for the day in the run up to the Vijaydashmi procession that is scheduled for October 21.

The large crowd gathered for the cultural programmes was oblivious of the sudden development. Had it not been for the two mahouts who displayed their presence of mind, things could have taken a different turn as the two charging tuskers were within a few metres from the crowd.

Another herd of elephant that was near the Bhuvaneshwari Temple in the palace courtyard, adding grace to the proceedings, reassured Gajendra. Balarama, who had fled towards the Somanatheshwara Temple, slowed down on reaching a dead-end.

The Palace Board staff immediately ordered the suspension of fireworks while the two elephants were comforted.

This is the second incident involving Gajendra who had expressed his displeasure at being yoked to a wooden cart and had smashed its wheels.

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