Dasara Elephants Prepped with Special Diet Amid Rehearsals

Quick Summary

• The first batch of nine elephants is undergoing rigorous training for the famed Mysuru Dasara procession, set for October 2, 2025.
• Led by lead elephant Abhimanyu, these elephants are stationed at the Mysore Palace grounds with their mahouts and kavadis (assistants).
• Daily exercise includes a 10 km walk between the palace and Bannimantap grounds to prepare for the Vijayadashami procession route.
• Training involves weight acclimatization using sandbags starting from 500 kg up to 1,200 kg in preparation for carrying the golden howdah (750 kg) along with a mahout. Other male elephants are also trained as backups.
• A specialized diet tailored to caloric needs is provided: male elephants consume about 750 kg of food daily; females consume between 550 to 600 kg.Main components include branch fodder, green grass, paddy or wheat, and a concentrated mix of grains and vegetables.Sugarcane, coconuts, jaggery have been retained but butter has been eliminated this year in favor of ragi and horse gram.
• Oversight by veterinary doctors ensures diet compatibility with their exercise regimen to prevent fat accumulation while enhancing strength.
• Phase two will bring five additional elephants into training next week.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The meticulous preparation of the Dasara elephants underlines India’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while prioritizing animal welfare within traditional events like Mysuru Dasara. By gradually increasing weights during training and providing specially designed diets tailored toward fitness without overexertion or fat accumulation risks, forest officials show responsible oversight in combining tradition with modern care principles.

This annual spectacle highlights not just architectural grandeur but also traditional animal-management expertise that could serve as a model globally where animals participate in cultural contexts. Tho long-term reflection on ensuring humane practices remains essential while upholding such traditions responsibly.

Read more at The Hindu