Mysuru, July 11 -- The first batch of Dasara elephants, led by Captain Abhimanyu, will arrive in Mysuru on Aug. 26 through traditional Gajapayana, marking the start of preparations for this year's Nada Habba Dasara.

With the festival set to begin in the second week of October, the Forest Department has begun preparations for the elephant squad.

More than 20 elephants from various camps have undergone ECG tests, while female elephants have been subjected to ultrasound scans to detect pregnancies. The final selection will be made after the medical reports are received.

The selection process is expected to be completed by the second week of August. According to tradition, the lead elephant carrying golden howdah and a standby elephant are...