Three elephants – Sugreeva, 44, from Dubare Elephant Camp; Roopa, 50, from Dodda Have Camp; and Chaitra, 55, from Rampura Camp – were formally welcomed at Mysuru Palace on Sunday, joining nine others that arrived on Aug 28, bringing the Dasara procession herd to twelve.
Following a day’s rest, the herd will commence rehearsals on Sept 15, walking the designated procession route twice daily to become accustomed to the sounds, crowds and activities of the festival. They are also being placed on a special diet to increase weight and strength for the demanding duties. DCF (wildlife) IG Prabhu Gouda told reporters that the elephants will not practice on Sunday and Monday, but all will begin practice together on Tuesday.