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“Mahout” comes from the Hindi words mahaut and mahavat, meaning “elephant driver,” and it even traces back to Sanskrit “maha mantra.” A mahout is an elephant rider, trainer, or keeper. Usually, a mahout starts as a boy in the family profession when he is assigned an elephant early in its life. They remain bonded to each other throughout their lives.
Historically, it was a profession for men (who passed down the tradition—and the elephant—to their son). Men would go to war along with these elephants. The elephants needed to be trained for the war.
Sometimes, in order to ensure proper training, the elephants faced harsh and cruel conditions. Many mahouts also believe in the use of chains and other inhumane devices to help “keep their elephants in line.”
Why was a mahout needed in the story? There was no war!
A mahout was needed for the parade in Mysore. What parade takes place in Mysore? The one for Dasara.
The Hindu festival of Dasara, Navratri and Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is when the Hindu God Ram defeated Ravana.
On Vijayadasami day, the Jamboo Savari – the Mysore Dasara Parade – is held on the streets of Mysore city. The original name of this procession was Jumbi Savari or going to the Banni (Shami) tree.
According to the Mahabharata, the banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their weapons during the one year they lived incognito- living hidden from the rest. Before any war, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge victorious. The elephant procession was referred to as Jumbo Savari by the British when they took over Mysore State.
The Procession- Jamboo Savari
The 5 kilometre long procession starts from the Mysore Palace and finishes at a place called Bannimantap (where the banni tree is worshipped).
This is a very grand affair! Can you guess how much the entire Mysuru Dasara event’s budget is?
The Chief Minister Of Karnataka announced a budget of Rs 10 Crore for the event in 2020!
