What Happened to Balarama Elephant? Mysore Dasara Ambari Elephant Passed Away at 65
Balarama, the 65-year-old elephant who carried the golden howdah for 14 years in the Mysuru Dasara procession, passed away on May 7, 2023, after a prolonged illness. He was one of the most majestic and calm elephants in the history of the Dasara festival, and his death has left a void in the hearts of many.
The Life and Legacy of Balarama
Balarama was born in 1958 in the forests of Hassan district. He was captured by the forest department in 1987 near Somwarpet of Kodagu district. He was then trained to be a kumki elephant, or an elephant that helps tame wild elephants.
He was selected to participate in the Mysuru Dasara festival in 1998, after the previous howdah elephant, Drona, died of electrocution in Nagarahole National Park. Balarama impressed everyone with his strength, physical structure and calm nature, which made him suitable for carrying the 750 kg golden howdah and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari on his back.
He carried the howdah for the first time in 1999, and continued to do so for 14 consecutive years until 2011. He was the longest-serving howdah elephant in the history of Dasara. He also played a vital role in training other howdah elephants and keeping other camp elephants calm during the festival.
Balarama was loved and respected by his mahouts, kavadis and forest officials, as well as by the people of Mysuru and Karnataka. He was considered a symbol of pride and culture for the state.
The Illness and Death of Balarama
Balarama started showing signs of illness on April 19, 2023. He had stopped eating and drinking, and had a sharp wooden piece stuck in his rectum. He was diagnosed with a throat infection and a suspected case of tuberculosis. He was treated with IV fluids, antibiotics and a liquid diet at Bheemankatte elephant camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
However, his condition did not improve much. He lost weight and became weak. An endoscopy revealed blood stains in his rectum, infection in his trachea and pus. His blood samples were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute for further analysis.
Unfortunately, Balarama could not survive the infection. He breathed his last on May 7, 2023, at around 4:30 pm at Bheemankatte elephant camp. His death was mourned by his caretakers, forest officials and animal lovers.
He was buried near the elephant camp after a ceremony comprising religious rites and a gun salute. His carcass was not left for the vultures to feed as per the directions of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change because he was suffering from tuberculosis.
The Future of Dasara Elephants
Balarama’s death has raised questions about the future of Dasara elephants and their health. According to forest officials, most of the camp elephants suffer from tuberculosis, which is a contagious disease that can also infect humans. Annual checkups are done to ensure that any infection is under control.
However, some experts have suggested that Dasara elephants should be retired from their duties after a certain age or number of years. They have also advocated for better living conditions and welfare measures for these elephants.
Balarama’s death has also left a gap in the Dasara procession. The forest department will have to find a suitable replacement for him as the howdah elephant. Currently, Arjuna is carrying the howdah since 2012. He is assisted by Abhimanyu and Vijaya as kumki elephants.
The Mysuru Dasara festival is one of the most celebrated events in Karnataka. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the state. The elephants are an integral part of this festival, as they add to its grandeur and glory.
Balarama was one such elephant who made his mark on this festival with his grace and dignity. He will be remembered as a legend among Dasara elephants.
Source: Facty News
