Mysuru, Aug. 12 -- Member of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, visited the Mathigodu elephant camp in Kodagu District on Sunday to inspect elephant Srikanta, who is set to take part in the Dasara grand procession for the very first time this year.

Her visit has stirred public curiosity over whether the 56-year-old pachyderm might be chosen as the prestigious Pattada Aane (Royal Elephant) or bear the Pattada Nishane Aane (Royal Insignia Elephant) during the festivities.

The elephant has been named Srikanta, in memory of Pramoda Devi's late husband Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.

This year's Dasara celebrations, commencing on Sept. 22, will feature 14 elephants - 10 males and 4 females - divided into two squad...