The rehearsal of the first batch of nine Dasara elephants, led by tusker Abhimanyu, in preparation for the Vijayadashmi procession, began on Sunday.
The elephants will walk the procession route from the palace to the Bannimantap Grounds twice a day covering 5 km. This is to familiarise them with the procession route besides exposing them to the noise and din of the urban milieu.
Though some of the elephants, including Abhimanyu, Arjuna, Vikrama, are veterans of Mysuru Dasara, the trials and rehearsals are considered essential as the full-fledged procession is being held after two years.
