Mysuru: Three more elephants — Sugreeva, 44, from Dubare Elephant Camp, Roopa, 50, from Dodda Have Camp and Chaitra, 55, from Rampura Camp — received a traditional welcome at Mysuru Palace premises on Sunday as part of preparations for this year’s Dasara festivities.The three elephants, part of the second batch brought to Mysuru, joined the nine elephants that arrived at the palace on Aug 28. With their arrival, the Dasara elephant contingent has risen to 12. After a day’s rest, the elephants will begin rehearsals on Sept 15 along the designated procession route. They will be gradually acclimatised to the sounds, crowds and activities associated with Dasara celebrations.The elephants will also be put on a special diet aimed at helping them gain additional weight and build strength for the demanding duties during the festivities. As part of their training, they will walk along the procession route twice a day to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and prepare them for the Dasara procession. The arrival of the second batch marks another step in the preparations for the grand Dasara celebrations, with the elephants being gradually readied for their ceremonial role in the procession.Speaking to reporters, DCF (wildlife) IG Prabhu Gouda said, “With the arrival of three more elephants, now the total elephants which will be taking part during this Dasara will be 12 elephants. Sunday and Monday, they will not be going out for practice. On Tuesday, all the 12 elephants will be going for practice.”
