The forest department mahouts have been rigorously engaging the elephants in walking and exercise over the last two months to prepare them for the resplendent Dasara festival.
Harsha, Gopi and Kaveri were brought by mahout Appaswamy to Anekadu camp on Monday. Vikram is being given training at Anekadu.
Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer Acchappa said that after offering pooja to these four elephants, they will be leaving for Mysore in a vehicle. Forty-year-old Vikram and 36-year-old Harsha have maintained their dignity in the Dasara celebrations over the last several years. Kaveri, which was caught three years ago by the forest department has been tamed and will take part in Dasara procession for the first time. The 32 year old Gopi is likely to carry Ambari next year. In the past, Vijaya was taking part in Dasara celebrations.
However, as she has given birth to a calf one year ago, she will not take part in this year’s Dasara.