Mysuru: The first batch of nine Dasara elephants, which received a traditional welcome at Mysuru Palace on Friday, underwent their routine weight assessment on Sunday as part of preparations for the upcoming Dasara festivities. The weight check will help the forest department finalise a customised diet and nutritional supplements for each elephant before intensive training begins.At 5,790 kg, 57-year-old Srikanta from the Mathigodu Elephant Camp emerged as the heaviest among the nine jumbos. He was followed by 41-year-old Ekalavya from Bheemanakatte Elephant Camp at 5,600 kg and 43-year-old Dhananjaya from Dubare Elephant Camp at 5,530 kg. Mahendra, 42, from Balle Elephant Camp weighed 5,490 kg, while 54-year-old Prashantha from Dubare weighed 5,205 kg. Gopi, 43, from Dubare weighed 5,170 kg, followed by 41-year-old Srirama from Dubare was 4,820 kg and 54-year-old Lakshmi from Balle at 3,990 kg. Kaveri, 46, from Dubare was the lightest of the group at 3,075 kg. Srikanta made his Dasara debut last year and served as Pattada Aane during royal family palace rituals. It was named in memory of the late royal scion Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar.Speaking to TOI, DCF Prashanth said, “All the elephants are healthy and fine. Based on their weight and height, their diet will be planned.”The elephants will now be provided a special nutritional diet comprising rice balls mixed with jaggery, vegetables, coconuts, sugarcane and pulses such as green gram to help them gain additional strength and weight. They are expected to begin rehearsals on the Dasara procession route within a couple of days.The jumbos will undergo training twice a day to familiarise themselves with the procession route, crowds, traffic and loud noises. Traditionally, Dasara elephants are brought to Mysuru around 45 to 50 days before the festival to ensure adequate acclimatisation and prepare them to carry the additional load during the grand procession.The heavy weightsSrikanta – 5,790 kgEkalavya – 5,600 kgDhananjaya – 5,530kgMahendra – 5,490 kgPrashantha – 5,205 kgGopi – 5,170 kgSrirama – 4,820 kgLakshmi – 3,990 kgKaveri – 3,075 kg
