Mysuru, Sept. 8 -- * Carries 500 kg weight amidst rain to Torchlight Parade Grounds

* Sharp stone pierces Kumki elephant Lakshmi's left sole; returns to Palace in truck

With Dasara festivities scheduled to be inaugurated on Sept. 22 atop Chamundi Hill, preparations are going on in full swing including training for Dasara elephants.

Yesterday evening, Dasara elephant Dhananjaya was made to carry weight on the Jumboo Savari route. Dhananjaya was led near Kodi Someshwara Temple in the Palace premises, where Gadhi-Namda and a cradle were secured on its back and sand bags placed inside the cradle, all weighing a total of 500 kg.

Dhananjaya, with Kumki elephants Roopa and Lakshmi on his sides, followed by other Dasara elephants walked out o...