Indian Info

Mysore, Aug 13 (UNI) The first batch of six elephants started their journey-- 'Gajapayana'-- from Veeranahosahalli to take part in the famous nine-day Dasara festivities beginning here on September 19.

As per tradition, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Shobha Karandlaje, who is also District Incharge Minister, offered pooja to the elephants before the journey.

The first batch comprised Gajendra (54 ), Abhimanyu(51) Arjuna (49), Sarala (67) and Vijyalakshmi(54) besides Balarama (51) which would be carrying the 850 kg golden '' howdah'' for the 11th consecutive year.

The elephants had been shifted from the jungle camp at Moorkal in the Nagarahole National Park to Veeranahosahalli.

The second batch of pachyderms would arrive in the city during the first week of next month.

All the elephants would be housed at the palace courtyard and made to undergo rehearsals every day before the grand Dasara procession.

The second batch of six elephants-- Prasantha, Harsha, Vikrama, Srirama, Kanthi and Revanthi-- would form the grand herd of caparisoned elephants that would add grandeur to the festivities.

It was customary for the elephants to be shifted to the Mysore Palace Courtyard at least one month before the commencement of the festivities for acclimatisation.