The second stage of training for Dasara elephants in which they would be carrying weights (sand bags) is expected to start from September 15.
The eight elephants led by Abhimanyu, the lead jumbo that carries the 750-kg golden howdah, were being acclimatised to the procession route (from the palace till torch light parade grounds in Bannimantap) as they are being taken on the route since their arrival here. Now that they are getting familiar with the route, the Forest Department is planning to start the rehearsal of weight carrying.
The weight carrying practice will start with Abhimanyu, the Ambari elephant, followed by the tuskers on standby identified by the department. At least four to five tuskers are involved in the weight training. This has been the normal practice every year.
