Nine Dasara elephants begin journey to Mysuru for 2026 festival preparations
Nine Dasara elephants depart for Mysuru in ceremonial Gajapayana. Tusker Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah for six years, honored in farewell.
The first batch of nine Dasara elephants began their journey to Mysuru on Wednesday after a ceremonial flag-off at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, opening preparations for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara.
Mysuru district minister-in-charge Yathindra Siddaramaiah flagged off the Gajapayana amid hundreds of locals and tribal residents from neighbouring hamlets who gathered to witness the event. The departing batch includes Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha and Srirama, all specially decorated for the occasion.
Abhimanyu bids farewell after six-year reign
The 60-year-old tusker Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah during Jamboo Savari for six consecutive years, received a ceremonial farewell as he retires from active Dasara duties. Officials gave the legendary elephant a red-carpet welcome and showered him with flowers to honour his decade-long service as one of the leading members of the Dasara jumbo squad.
The ceremony specifically remembered Abhimanyu's contribution to the festivities, marking an emotional moment during the Gajapayana.
Journey to palace
The elephants will travel to Mysuru in specially arranged trucks and be stationed at Aranya Bhavan before their formal welcome into the Mysuru Palace premises on August 28. The Gajapayana marks the traditional start of preparations for the world-famous Dasara celebrations.
Source: The Hindu
Frequently asked questions
When did the Dasara elephants begin their journey to Mysuru?
Nine Dasara elephants began their journey to Mysuru on Wednesday after a ceremonial flag-off at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
Which elephants are part of the first batch traveling to Mysuru?
The departing batch includes Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha and Srirama, all specially decorated for the occasion.
What happened to Abhimanyu during the Gajapayana ceremony?
The 60-year-old tusker Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah during Jamboo Savari for six consecutive years, received a ceremonial farewell as he retires from active Dasara duties after a decade-long service.
Where will the elephants be stationed before entering Mysuru Palace?
The elephants will travel in specially arranged trucks and be stationed at Aranya Bhavan before their formal welcome into the Mysuru Palace premises on August 28.
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