Mysore: The eight Dussehra elephants, led by Gajapade Nayak Abhimanyu, successfully completed their first training run on the Jambusavari route on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for the upcoming Dussehra celebrations in Mysore.

A total of nine elephants have arrived in the first team to participate in this year’s festivities. Training for the first team commenced on Sunday, with eight elephants participating in the practice run.

Led by Abhimanyu, the elephants began their journey from the Kodi Someswara temple within the palace premises, passing through various landmarks such as K.R. Circle, Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Old RMC Circle, Bambubazar Circle, Highway Circle, and Nelson Mandela Road, before finally reaching Bannimantapa Parade Ground.

The elephants demonstrated impressive discipline and cooperation, pausing for two minutes at three designated points along the route. They moved smoothly without any disturbances, attracting the attention of onlookers.

A police escort vehicle accompanied the elephants, with forest guards and elephant caretakers closely monitoring their movements to ensure public safety. After the training, the elephants rested at Bannimantapa grounds before returning to the palace.

One of the elephants, Kanjan, was rested due to leg pain. DCF (Wildlife) Dr. Prabhu Gowda informed the media that the training was successful for the eight elephants in the first team, excluding Kanjan. He also mentioned that the elephants were being gradually trained to bear weight and that the behaviour of new elephants like Eklavya and Rohita was encouraging.

The successful completion of the first training run is a positive sign for the upcoming Dussehra celebrations in Mysore. The well-trained and disciplined elephants are expected to add to the grandeur and excitement of the festivities.