Mysuru :

Dodda Masti (63), the former Mahout of howdah elephant Arjuna during Jumboo Savari, the stellar event of Dasara festivities, passed away at Balle Haadi in D.B. Kuppe forest range this morning after a brief illness.

Dodda Masti, who joined forest service 42 years ago as a kavadi, had handled Arjuna during Jumboo Savaris from 2013 to 2015 before retiring last year. Leading the main elephant is considered a highly demanding job, as the tusker has to carry a 750 kg golden howdah on his back, and managing him through the milling crowd is important.

Dodda Masti, who was associated with howdah elephant Arjuna for over 15 years, was well-known for his skills in taming wild elephants trapped during Khedda and such other operations.

He leaves behind three sons and two daughters. Last rites would be held at Balle Haadi later today.

I will come back if alive: It may be recalled that Dodda Masti, while leaving Mysuru after Dasara-2015, had told Star of Mysore, “I will come back next year if I am alive.”

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / August 11th, 2016