Mysuru: The first batch of nine Dasara elephants took part in their maiden route-familiarisation march along Raja Marga, giving residents and visitors a glimpse of the majestic jumbos as they prepared for the upcoming Dasara festivities.
The elephants, which had arrived at the Mysore Palace on August 28, were housed at the palace camp for two days before being taken out for their weight check and subsequent rehearsal on the Jumboo Savari route.
Nine elephants take part in rehearsal
The first batch of nine Dasara elephants, led by Mahendra, walked out through the Palace’s North Gate, popularly known as Balarama Gate.
The elephants proceeded through Chamaraja Circle, K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road and Dhanvantri Road before returning to the Palace along the same route.
The march was part of the route-familiarisation exercise carried out ahead of the annual Dasara procession.
Hundreds gather to watch jumbos
The elephants’ first march attracted hundreds of Mysureans and visitors.
People gathered near Balarama Gate and at various points along the procession route to catch a glimpse of the elephants.
Several people recorded videos and photographs of the jumbos as they walked through the city.
As the elephants passed along the route, members of the public were seen showering flower petals and offering fruits.
The evening rehearsal also attracted a large crowd, with people gathering near Balarama Gate to watch the elephants emerge from the Palace.
The sight of the jumbos prompted cheers and whistles from the crowd.
Dhananjaya leads evening rehearsal
During the evening rehearsal, the elephants were led by Dhananjaya.
The jumbos walked up to the Government Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital before turning back towards the Mysore Palace.
The exercise was intended to familiarise the elephants with the route and the surroundings they will encounter during the Dasara procession.
Such rehearsals are an important part of the preparations for the grand Jumboo Savari, when the trained elephants become the centrepiece of the city’s Dasara celebrations.
Elephants undergo weight check
Before taking part in the route rehearsal, the elephants were taken out of the Palace in the morning for a weight check.
The first batch had arrived at the Mysore Palace on August 28 and remained at the camp for two days.
The weight checks form part of the preparations for the elephants’ participation in Dasara and help officials monitor their condition during the training period.
Forest Department takes safety measures
The Forest Department has also put safety measures in place along the procession route.
An automated magnetic nail-removal machine has been attached to a vehicle that moves ahead of the elephants.
The machine is designed to collect iron nails and other sharp metal objects that could potentially injure the elephants.
However, the machine cannot detect every type of dangerous material.
Small stones, pieces of glass and other sharp objects still have to be identified and removed manually by trained personnel walking along the route.
Police monitor the route
The Police also accompanied the elephants during the route familiarisation exercise.
Police personnel walked along the procession route to ensure that members of the public did not get too close to the elephants.
Crowds are expected to increase as the Dasara celebrations draw closer, making crowd management and elephant safety particularly important.
The coordination between the Forest Department and Police is therefore a key part of the preparations.
Raja Marga gets ready for Dasara
The familiarisation march offered an early indication of the preparations underway for the Dasara Jumboo Savari.
Raja Marga, the traditional procession route, will once again become the focal point of the city’s Dasara celebrations.
The annual procession attracts thousands of people who gather along the route to watch the decorated elephants, cultural performances and other elements of the grand spectacle.
The route rehearsals allow both the elephants and officials to prepare for the large-scale event.
Public gets first glimpse of Dasara jumbos
For many residents, the first route march provides an opportunity to see the Dasara elephants before the main festivities begin.
The sight of the elephants walking through the familiar city roads has become an important part of the build-up to Mysuru Dasara.
The enthusiastic response from the public during the latest rehearsal reflected the excitement surrounding this year’s celebrations.
Preparations gather pace
With the first batch of elephants now familiarising themselves with the Jumboo Savari route, preparations for Mysuru Dasara are gathering pace.
The elephants will undergo further training and rehearsals before the main procession.
Officials will continue to monitor their health, fitness and behaviour while also ensuring that the procession route remains safe.
Conclusion
The first batch of nine Dasara elephants completed their maiden route-familiarisation march along Raja Marga, attracting hundreds of residents and visitors who gathered to watch them.
Led by Mahendra during the morning exercise and Dhananjaya during the evening rehearsal, the jumbos covered key sections of the traditional procession route before returning to the Mysore Palace.
The Forest Department and Police have also stepped up safety arrangements, including the use of a magnetic machine to remove metal objects from the route and personnel to prevent people from getting too close to the elephants.
The first march marks another significant step in preparations for the grand Mysuru Dasara Jumboo Savari.