Tusker training continues; 2nd batch arrives

MYSURU: Foresters started the next leg of training of Dasara jumbos on Sunday even as the second batch of Dasara elephants checked into the Mysuru Palace premises.
Forest staff placed sandbags weighing over 300kgs on the back of Arjuna, who has carried the golden howdah for four years. The exercise is important as the tusker has to carry the weight for 5kms without a break, ambling amid a sea of people on the Dasara procession route.Arjuna, who carried the sandbag with ease, went from Mysuru Palace to Banni Mantap Grounds in 90 minutes, an important factor to decide which tusker will carry the golden howdah on the big day. "He started at 9am and reached the destination by 10.30am," an official said.
While the sandbag weight will be increased gradually to 1,000kgs (the golden howdah is said to weigh 750kgs), other tuskers will also be trained to give the authorities options while selecting the tusker for the job. On Day 2, Balarama, who has carried the howdah 14 times, will be trained. Abhimanyu and Gajendra will also be trained in this though the latter's chances of getting the job is bleak as he has killed a mahout.
As Arjuna's mahout Vasanth is new to the job, the authorities have not decided on which tusker will carry the howdah on October 11 during the Vijaya Dashami procession.
Meanwhile, the second batch of elephants checked into the city by 4pm. They were extended a traditional welcome by officials led by deputy commissioner D Randeep, also the Dasara special officer, at the Jayamarthanda Gate of the Mysuru Palace. Tuskers Vikram, Harsha, Prashanth and Gopi came from the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu district while Durgaparameshwari is from K Gudi. Gopalswamy was brought from Moorkal camp in the Nagarahole tiger reserve.
The second batch will be trained in Dasara duties from Monday. They'll be taken on Mysuru roads along with the six elephants being trained since August 27.