Puja, wild tuskers, fun mark Day 1 of jumbo camp

Of the total 43 jumbos, including two from Puducherry, 30 animals attended on day one of the camp, which was first introduced by the AIADMK government in 2003. 

The pachyderms during their 48-day stay would be thoroughly screened and given necessary medicines and treatment at the camp. The mahouts would be given tips on how to monitor the health of the animal and the diet system to be followed, sources said and added that the jumbos would also be fed with necessary and adequate health supplements at the camp, which would be conducted till February 23. 

Even as the jumbos were enjoying their day one, suddenly tension gripped the venue after two wild tuskers came to the area. Some female elephants panicked on seeing the elephants from the forests. In a quick action, mahouts moved their animals to safety, while forest officials burst crackers, beat drums and chased the intruders back into the jungles. 

Soon, after the situation came under control, the temple jumbos resumed their activities. One of them was seen performing silambam, a popular martial art form of Tamil Nadu, and another played mouth organ adding charm to the camp on the inaugural day. 

The State government has sanctioned Rs 1.4 crore for the 48-day affair, which is set to throw an impressive visual treat to locals and tourists visiting the Nilgiris, the Queen of Hills.