Mysuru: Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who has carried the golden howdah six times during the Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari, will not participate in this year’s procession after being officially retired from Dasara duties on turning 60.
Abhimanyu has been one of the most recognisable elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara in recent years. The seasoned jumbo carried the golden howdah from 2020 to 2025, earning a special place in the annual festivities.
His retirement marks the end of an important chapter in the history of the Dasara elephant contingent, even as the Forest Department prepares a new group of elephants for this year’s Jamboo Savari.
Abhimanyu’s long service
Abhimanyu, a lead Kumki elephant stationed at the Mathigodu camp, has played a significant role in wildlife operations over the years.
According to forest officials, the elephant has been involved in operations to capture more than 300 elephants and assist in the capture of over 80 tigers across India.
His experience in wildlife operations also made him a valuable member of the Dasara elephant contingent.
Abhimanyu carried the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari for six consecutive editions between 2020 and 2025.
The golden howdah is the centrepiece of the grand Dasara procession, making its carrier one of the most closely watched elephants during the celebrations.
With Abhimanyu now turning 60, forest authorities have decided to officially retire him from Dasara duties.
Bheema kept in reserve
Another experienced elephant, 26-year-old Bheema, will also not be part of the main Dasara contingent this year.
Bheema is currently in musth, a natural physiological condition in male elephants that requires careful monitoring and management.
Considering his condition, forest officials have not included him among the elephants selected for the main Dasara duties.
However, Bheema has been retained as a reserve elephant. He could be brought into the programme if an emergency requirement arises and his condition permits.
His exclusion means that this year’s contingent will have a different composition compared with previous editions, with attention shifting to other experienced elephants.
Four elephants shortlisted for howdah duty
The Forest Department has shortlisted four elephants for training to carry the golden howdah.
They are Dhananjaya, Prashantha, Sugreeva and Mahendra.
All four have previous experience with Dasara-related duties and have undergone training to carry the wooden howdah.
Their selection is expected to be followed by intensive training in Mysuru before the Jamboo Savari.
The final decision on the golden howdah carrier will depend on the elephants’ performance during the training period, along with their health, behaviour and suitability for the demanding role.
Twelve elephants selected
A total of 12 elephants have been selected for this year’s Jamboo Savari.
The list was released following a meeting chaired by Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
The selection followed assessments by forest officials and veterinarians, with factors such as health, fitness, temperament, behaviour and suitability for Dasara duties taken into consideration.
The elephants will be brought from different camps to Mysuru in batches for training and preparation.
First batch to leave forest camps
The first batch will include five elephants from the Dubare camp.
They are Dhananjaya, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva and Cauvery.
Two elephants, Mahendra and Lakshmi, will arrive from the Balle camp.
Ekalavya from the Mathigodu camp will also be part of the first batch.
These elephants will be brought to Mysuru following the Gajapayana and will begin their preparations for the Dasara festivities.
The second batch will comprise elephants from other forest camps and will be brought to Mysuru subsequently.
Gajapayana on August 26
The formal movement of the Dasara elephants will begin with the Gajapayana on August 26.
The ceremony will be held near the Veeranahosahalli Gate of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
Gajapayana traditionally marks the beginning of the journey of the selected elephants from their forest camps towards Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations.
Once they arrive in Mysuru, the elephants undergo a structured training programme to familiarise themselves with the city environment, crowds, sounds, ceremonial arrangements and the responsibilities associated with the Jamboo Savari.
Safety remains priority
The retirement of Abhimanyu and exclusion of Bheema also highlight the importance of selecting elephants based on age, health and temperament rather than relying solely on previous experience.
Dasara duties involve exposure to large crowds, loud sounds, ceremonial activities and extended training. The elephants therefore require careful veterinary monitoring and gradual preparation.
Forest officials have been conducting health and behavioural assessments before finalising the contingent.
The condition of elephants in musth is given particular attention because of the potential risks associated with managing male elephants during this period.
A new chapter for Dasara
Abhimanyu’s retirement will undoubtedly be one of the notable changes in this year’s Mysuru Dasara.
For six years, his presence at the head of the Jamboo Savari with the golden howdah made him a central figure of the celebrations. His long record in wildlife operations further added to his reputation as an experienced Kumki elephant.
With Abhimanyu stepping away and Bheema remaining in reserve, the responsibility now shifts to the new contingent.
Dhananjaya, Prashantha, Sugreeva and Mahendra will be closely watched during the training period as they compete for the prestigious golden howdah duty.
The Gajapayana on August 26 will formally set the Dasara elephant preparations in motion, beginning another chapter in the long-standing tradition of elephants being an integral part of Mysuru’s iconic celebrations.