Nine jumbos set out to herald Mysuru Dasara-2026
Mysuru
The majestic march towards the world-famous Mysuru Dasara began on Wednesday with the ceremonial launch of Gajapayana, marking the arrival of the Dasara elephant troop from the forest camps.
At Veeranahosahalli, the gateway to the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, nine elephants belonging to the first batch were given a traditional send-off and began their journey towards Mysuru.
The ceremonial puja was performed between 10 a.m. and 10.28 a.m. during the auspicious Tula Lagna. Urban Development and Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, along with senior Forest Department officials, offered prayers and performed floral offerings to the elephants, officially flagging off the Gajapayana.
The first batch comprises Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Srikanta and female elephants Lakshmi and Kaveri.
Following the ceremony, the nine elephants were loaded onto trucks and began their journey to Mysuru. The elephant troop will stay at the Forest Bhavan in Mysuru for two days before entering the Mysuru Palace premises on August 28.
Prayers for a hurdle-free Dasara
The elephants, revered as embodiments of Lord Ganesha, received a special traditional puja seeking prosperity and an obstacle-free Dasara. The elephants’ feet were first washed, followed by the application of turmeric, kumkum and sandalwood paste. Offerings of sweets and other delicacies dear to Lord Ganesha were made before flowers were offered to the elephants. Sugarcane and jaggery were then given to them.
Priest Prahlad Rao, who has been performing the traditional puja for the Dasara elephant troop for the past 29 years, said the rituals were conducted during the auspicious Tula Lagna for the smooth and successful conduct of the Dasara festivities.
Emotional farewell to ‘Captain’ Abhimanyu
The ceremony also carried an emotional moment as the Forest Department bid farewell to Abhimanyu, the veteran elephant who has carried the Golden Howdah six times during the Jamboo Savari. After serving the Dasara festivities for 25 years, Abhimanyu has now retired. Forest officials offered floral tributes and conducted a traditional farewell ceremony for the iconic elephant, who has become synonymous with the grandeur of Mysuru Dasara.
Abhimanyu’s return yet to be decided
Dr Yathindra said no final decision had been taken on bringing Abhimanyu back to Dasara. “Abhimanyu has been an integral part of Dasara for 25 years and has carried the Golden Howdah six times. As he has retired this year, he was offered prayers and given a traditional farewell. A final decision has not yet been taken on bringing him to Dasara as the Nishane (ceremonial) elephant. We will examine the possibilities and take a decision accordingly,” he said.
