Abhimanyu Returns to Mysuru Dasara for Final Appearance

Veteran tusker Abhimanyu joined the Dasara jumbo squad in Mysuru on Monday, returning to the festivities for what will be his final appearance. He had been retired from active Dasara duties after attaining the age of 60.

The decision to bring him back followed continued public demand for a ceremonial farewell during the Jamboo Savari. The State government included him in this year’s Dasara festivities as Nishane Ane, giving the veteran tusker a final role in the celebrations.

A ceremonial welcome at the palace

Abhimanyu received a rousing welcome on his arrival at the palace. Officials and elected representatives accorded him a warm and respectful reception, while a large number of people gathered outside the palace to see him return.

His admirers presented him with a giant, special red peta, or turban. Flowers were showered on the tusker as a mark of honour, and a huge garland made of sweet lime was placed around him.

Other Dasara elephants also joined the welcome when Abhimanyu arrived at the Jayamarthanda Gate of the palace. MLA T.S. Srivatsa, Deputy Conservator of Forest I.B. Prabhu Gowda, Mysuru Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya and others were present on the occasion.

Veteran of the Dasara procession

Abhimanyu has been an integral part of Mysuru Dasara for more than two decades. He carried the golden howdah for six consecutive years, earning recognition for his majestic presence, grace and precision while performing his duties.

He is also widely admired for his bravery during wild elephant capture and combing operations, including several challenging missions. His experience and record have made his return particularly significant for the Dasara jumbo squad.

Forest officials said Abhimanyu is the most experienced elephant among the 2026 Dasara team. They also said he will join the other elephants for training from Tuesday. His participation as Nishane Ane means that his role this year will mark a ceremonial return rather than a continuation of his earlier active Dasara duties.

Public demand shaped his return

There had been disappointment among wildlife enthusiasts and members of the public when it was initially learnt that Abhimanyu would not be part of this year’s Dasara jumbo squad because of his age. The issue generated considerable discussion before the Forest Department decided to accord him a ceremonial farewell during Gajapayana.

Abhimanyu was subsequently given a red-carpet send-off during Gajapayana in the presence of a large gathering. Even after that farewell, people continued to express their desire to see the veteran tusker bid adieu to Dasara amid the lakhs of spectators who had watched him carry the golden howdah with remarkable precision and ease.

His inclusion in the festivities responds to that public sentiment and gives the Dasara journey of one of the most celebrated elephants in Mysuru Dasara a ceremonial conclusion. His presence is expected to add considerable significance to the 2026 jumbo squad, where he is the most experienced elephant.

Source: The Hindu