Mysore: Even as it is still undecided as to which pachyderm will carry the howdah (Ambari) during the famous Jambu Savari of Mysore Dasara the Forest Department has decided to train five of the six male pachyderms in this direction.

On Monday Balaram was given an exercise by placing a sand bag weighing 300 kg and a howdah made of iron on his back. The elephants were also taken out on the same route of the Dasara procession. Balarama was flanked by Abhimanyu, Srirama Gajendra, Arjuna and Vijaya. As the elephant which will be in the lead in Dasara will have to carry the golden howdah weighing 750, Balarama is being trained and the weight he will have to carry will be gradually increased each day.

Meanwhile, Veterinarian Dr Nagaraj who is in-charge of the elephants has exuded confidence that Balarama himself will carry the howdah this time.