Mysuru: Dasara elephants, which are camping on the Mysuru Palace premises, were familiarised with the sound of cannons here on Thursday September 30.
Eight elephants, barring two, led by Abhimanyu, participated in the session and performed well.
The cannon firing practice session was held outside the palace and cannons were fired three times. Seven cannons were used for the session. The two Dasara jumbos looked frightened during the exercise. Ashwathama and Lakshmi, who are here for the first time, and are not used to cannon firing, looked out of place. The remaining six elephants went through the motions.
On the last day of the Dasara, before Jamboo Savari, cannon will be fired 21 times by the City Armed Reserve Police (CARP) personnel.
The canon firing exercise will be held two more times to help the elephants and horses get acclimatised to the firing. On Friday October 1, ‘Abhimanyu’ will be made to carry a wooden throne, a replica of the golden throne. A team of 30 personnel, attached to the CARP will perform cannon firing. According to the authorities, a total of 45 kg of gun powder was used to fire 21 rounds and the quantity of the powder will be increased in the next session.
It is a tough and challenging exercise. All the personnel who will be taking part in the Jamboo Savari have been insured.
