Mysuru: The first batch of nine Mysuru Dasara elephants received a grand traditional welcome near Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysuru Palace Friday.
The elephants had arrived at Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru from Veeranahosahalli on Aug 26 and walked to Mysuru Palace Friday for their regular practice sessions. He said the department was also following the rules and court directions regarding the use of elephants, including those aged over 60 years.
The contributions of Dasara elephants Arjuna and Balarama, which served Dasara for several years, would always be remembered, he said. The elephants were later taken inside the palace premises amid traditional music, cultural performances and a police band. The department had extended respect to Abhimanyu. Meanwhile, the arrival of the elephants attracted a large crowd. Traditional art troupes and the police band added colour to the event, turning the ceremonial reception into a vibrant start to the city’s Dasara preparations.