Hyderabad, Aug 1 (HS): Lakshmi, a 34-year-old elephant from Karnataka, will participate in three Bonalu processions in Secunderabad and Hyderabad's Old City this month as part of the annual festivities.
The elephant, belonging to Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt at Horapete in Tumakuru district of Karnataka, has arrived in Hyderabad under the supervision of its mahout. The Telangana Endowments Department made arrangements for its transportation to the city.
Lakshmi will first participate in the Bonalu procession at Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad on August 3. It will also take part in the processions at Sri Nalla Pochamma and Mahankali Temple in Sabzimandi, Karwan, on August 9 and at Sri Akkanna Madanna Temple in Haribowli in the Old City on August 10.
As a precautionary measure, a veterinary doctor from Nehru Zoological Park, along with supporting staff and emergency equipment, will accompany the elephant during the processions.
The transport permission issued by the Karnataka Forest Department prescribes several conditions for the elephant's participation, including proper feeding and watering during travel, limiting its duty to not more than five hours a day and ensuring compliance with guidelines issued by the Telangana Forest Department.
The conditions also prohibit bursting firecrackers, displaying flames or torches, playing loud music within close proximity of the elephant and allowing the public to approach it except for the mahout and authorised personnel.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
