Mysuru, Oct. 15 -- To carry 750-kg Golden Howdah during Dasara Jumboo Savari

Prashantha, a tusker from Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district, has been selected to carry the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Jumboo Savari on Vijayadashami, marking the grand finale of the 416th edition of Mysuru Dasara.

With the retirement of the celebrated Abhimanyu, there was considerable curiosity over who would succeed him as the 'Ambari' elephant. The Forest Department has now named 54-year-old Prashantha for the prestigious role. Prashantha arrived in Mysuru on Aug. 26 as part of the first batch of Dasara elephants. He impressed officials during training, which included carrying wooden howdahs and undergoing various tests.

His calm temperament, obe...