Dasara 2023: Mysuru’s Lead Elephant Abhimanyu Preps with Weight Training

Fast Summary

• Event: Preparations for Mysuru Dasara and Vijayadashami procession have commenced,focusing on elephant Abhimanyu’s weight training.
• Training Details:

– Abhimanyu subjected to carrying 500 kg, including 300 kg of sandbags, during the drill overseen by Deputy Conservator of Forests Prabhu Gowda.
– Gradual increase in weight over coming days to reach approximately 1,000 kg for the final golden howdah.
– Male elephants are trained as standbys; others excluded based on experience and conditioning needs.
– training involves walking along the procession route daily with a wooden replica of the howdah to acclimate elephants and mahouts.

• Participants: A total of 14 elephants (9 arriving August 4; another batch joining late august) conducted daily drills in Mysuru Palace precincts.
• Special Care: Veterinary monitoring and special diets ensure optimal health of participating elephants.
• Tradition Observed: Puja performed for abhimanyu before entering the second phase of training.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The preparation regimen for Mysuru Dasara reflects both cultural heritage preservation and practical animal welfare considerations. The use of gradual conditioning ensures that iconic traditions like ‘Jamboo Savari’ can take place safely without compromising elephant health. Moreover,including standbys highlights contingency planning against unforeseen circumstances during this high-profile festival.

The involvement of veterinary experts underscores India’s evolving focus on animal care while maintaining rituals-notable given concerns often raised about ethical treatment during such events. By blending tradition with careful logistical planning and attention to long-term familiarity training, India upholds its rich cultural identity while adapting modern practices. This model could strengthen global thankfulness for balancing heritage continuity with informed handling of working animals.

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