Caption, Oct. 5 -- After 2-month stay in city, Dasara elephants head back to their forest camps; No honorarium this time, crucial role overlooked, say caretakers

Over 2,000 onlookers had gathered at the Mysore Palace premises this afternoon as the elephants left to their camps.

Mysuru, Oct. 5 (MTY&BCT)- The stars of Dasara - 14 elephants - began their journey back to their respective forest camps this afternoon, bidding an emotional farewell to Mysuru after yet another successful Jumboo Savari. Many onlookers were moved as the majestic animals were loaded onto the trucks at the Mysore Palace premises.

Earlier in the morning, priest S.V. Prahalad Rao led the puja rituals, offering fruits to Howdah elephant Abhimanyu and the other 13 ele...