The second batch of Dasara elephants arrived here on Monday from their respective camps. The seven elephants were formally welcomed into the Mysuru palace where the first batch of elephants had been camping since their arrival here, after performing puja to the jumbos.
Balarama, Kaveri, Vikrama, Gopi, Durga Parameshwari, Jayaprakash and Lakshmi are part of the second batch.
With their arrival, the entire squad will undergo training for Jamboo Savari led by 59-year-old Arjuna, which carries the golden howdah.
Balarama, 61 years, which was arriving in the first batch till last year, had successfully carried the golden howdah for 14 times in a row. A resident of Mattigodu camp, Balarama has been participating in the festivities for the past 23 years and is one of the oldest jumbos in the elite squad. After Drona, it took the charge of carrying the 750-kilo golden howdah.
Vikrama, 46 years, from Dubare camp has been donning the role of “Pattada Ane”, participating in the rituals practised in the palace, since last four years. Gopi, also from Dubare, has been taking part in Dasara since last nine years.
Jayaprakash, 57 years, which belonged to Ramapura camp, is making its debut this year.
Lakshmi, the youngest in the batch, also belongs to Ramapura camp.
Kaveri and Durga Parameshwari were from Dubare and K. Gudi camps respectively.
