Dasara elephants undergo first cannon-firing acclimatisation drill - The HinduPublished - October 07, 2026 08:12 pm IST - MYSURUThe cannon firing exercise being carried out in Mysuru on Wednesday, to familiarise Dasara elephants to the loud sound. | Photo Credit: M.A. SriramThe first exercise to acclimatise the Dasara elephants to the loud sound of cannon firing was conducted in Mysuru on Wednesday as part of preparations for the 21-cannon salute that marks the flagging off of the Jamboo Savari.The exercise will be conducted a few more times to ensure that the elephants do not panic or get startled by the sound of cannon fire during the Jamboo Savari.The drill was conducted by personnel of the City Armed Reserve at the Dasara parking lot, while Forest Department personnel, including senior officials, oversaw the exercise. Precautions were taken to ensure that the elephants remained calm and composed throughout the drill.The exercise was conducted for all 13 elephants, including Abhimanyu, as well as the horses of the Mounted Police. The drill was successfully completed, with the animals remaining largely calm. Several shots were fired from seven cannons at intervals during the exercise.Speaking to reporters later, Deputy Conservator of Forests I.B. Prabhu Gowda said the elephants were in good health and their diet was being closely monitored by a team of veterinarians.In view of the prevailing severe heat, the elephants are being given baths three to four times a day. They are also being fed curd mixed with avalakki (beaten rice), he said.Published - October 07, 2026 08:12 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }