Shyam Sundar Vattam
Mysuru:
After carrying the 700 plus weighing coveted Golden Howdah with majestic confidence and becoming the undisputed star of Mysuru Dasara, veteran elephant Captain Abhimanyu could be in line for one final royal moment — a grand public farewell at the historic Mysuru Palace.
Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy has said that he would consult senior officials of the Forest Department on the possibility of bringing Captain Abhimanyu to the Palace premises on October 21, the grand finale of this year’s Dasara festivities, so that the legendary jumbo can be given a colourful send-off in the presence of thousands of people.
Speaking to City Hilights, Reddy said he did not want to give any assurance at this stage, as the proposal would have to be discussed with the department’s top officials. The final decision, therefore, rests on consultations within the department.
But the demand from Mysuru is growing louder.
For generations of Dasara lovers, the majestic elephants have been inseparable from the identity of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara. At the heart of this tradition is the Jamboo Savari, when the Golden Howdah is carried in a spectacular procession from the Mysuru Palace through the decorated streets of the city.
Captain Abhimanyu has earned a special place in that glorious tradition. He has carried the Golden Howdah six times, displaying remarkable strength, discipline and composure during one of the most watched cultural spectacles in Karnataka.
Now that his Dasara career has come to an end, several organisations and individuals have urged the district administration to prevail upon the State Government to organise a public farewell for the veteran elephant in Mysuru.
The demand is not merely for another ceremonial event. For many true Mysureans, it is an emotional gesture of gratitude to an elephant that has become synonymous with the grandeur of Dasara.
Interestingly, Captain Abhimanyu has already received a warm send-off at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk, where the first batch of nine Dasara elephants was traditionally welcomed before being brought to Mysuru for this year’s festival.
However, supporters of a city farewell believe that his final salute should take place where he created his biggest memories — in front of the Mysuru Palace and amidst the people of Mysuru.
If the proposal gets the green signal, Captain Abhimanyu could be brought to the Palace on October 21 and felicitated by dignitaries, potentially including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with other ministers and guests, in the presence of a massive gathering.
The veteran jumbo’s retirement is also linked to animal welfare regulations. Reddy said Captain Abhimanyu would no longer be used for work, pointing to Supreme Court guidelines concerning the use of elephants above 60 years of age. Accordingly, the elephant has been retired from work and will henceforth spend his days at his camp.
For an elephant that has spent years at the centre of Karnataka’s most celebrated cultural festival, retirement may mean the end of the road as a working jumbo — but not the end of his place in Mysuru’s collective memory.
Six Golden Howdah victories, countless Dasara memories and generations of admirers — Captain Abhimanyu may now be waiting for one last moment under the Palace lights, not as a working elephant, but as a legend being honoured by the city he helped make proud.