Jamboo Savari, originally planned to be held on Saturday to mark the end of Shivamogga Dasara 2017 was cancelled as Sagar, the 28-year-old elephant who was slated to carry the howdah, remained away from the event owing to health concerns.
It may be mentioned here that the Shivamogga City Corporation had announced that three tamed elephants from Sakrebailu elephant camp, including Sagar, 68-year-old Gange and 63-year-old Geetha, would participate in the Jamboo Savari. While Sagar was slated to carry the howdah weighing 350 kg made from German Silver, Gange and Geetha were to accompany him in the procession.
As part of the preparation for the Jamboo Savari, the elephants had also participated in rehearsals in Sakrebailu and in Shivamogga city. Vinay S., Senior Veterinary Officer, Department of Forest and Wildlife, told The Hindu that on Saturday morning, Sagar refused to consume food. A medical examination revealed that the animal was suffering from fever and problems related to digestion. As participation in Jamboo Savari could result in further deterioration of Sagar’s health, it was decided to keep him off the procession, he said.
Following the cancellation of Jamboo Savari, the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari was taken out in a procession on a decorated vehicle. The procession commenced from the Kote Seetharamanjaneya Swamy temple in the city. Abhinav Khare, Superintendent of Police; Elumalai Babu, Mayor; and Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner Mullai Muhilan flagged off the procession.
Folk art troupes such as Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, Nandikolu, Yakshagana puppets performed. While Sagar was taking rest at temporary shed erected on the Vasavi Vidyalaya premises, Gange and Geetha, who were richly embellished, participated in the procession. It passed through Gandhi Bazaar, Amir Ahmed Circle, Nehru Road, Mahaveera Circle and concluded at Nehru Stadium. B.P. Manje Gowda, Shivamogga Tahsildar, performed Banni Pooja at Nehru Stadium.
The teaser of the Kannada movie Ol Munswamy was released on the occasion. Actor and director Kashinath was present. The burning of the effigy of Raavan and a fireworks display followed Banni Pooja.