Mysuru: Srikanta has emerged as the heaviest among the first batch of nine elephants selected for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festivities, weighing around 5,770 kg during the first weight assessment conducted ahead of their training for the Jamboo Savari procession.
The weight assessment was carried out on Sunday as the Forest Department began preparing the elephant squad for the grand Dasara celebrations. Ekalavya, weighing 5,610 kg, was the second-heaviest elephant in the first batch.
Srikanta tops elephant weight list
Srikanta recorded a weight of 5,770 kg, making him the heaviest elephant among the nine in the first batch.
Ekalavya followed closely at 5,610 kg. The assessment was conducted before the elephants begin their regular training for the Jamboo Savari procession.
Forest officials said the purpose of the exercise is not to increase the elephants’ weight but to monitor their health and physical condition. The information will help veterinarians and officials prepare individual diet plans for the animals.
Weight check helps plan diet
The Forest Department conducts weight assessments as part of the preparations for Dasara.
According to Deputy Conservator of Forests Prabhugowda, the measurements help officials understand the physical condition of each elephant and provide an appropriate diet.
Rather than following a uniform feeding plan, the elephants can receive customised nutrition based on their individual requirements.
This is particularly important because the animals undergo intensive training before participating in the Jamboo Savari procession.
Training to begin along Jamboo Savari route
With the initial weight assessment completed, the elephants are set to begin regular training sessions.
Training will be conducted in the morning and evening along the Jamboo Savari route, allowing the elephants to become familiar with the road, surroundings and conditions they will encounter during the final procession.
The training is an important part of Dasara preparations because the elephants have to remain calm and responsive while moving through crowded areas accompanied by music, drums and ceremonial activities.
Nine elephants in first batch
The first batch consists of nine elephants that have already entered the Mysuru Palace premises following the traditional Gajapayana.
Their arrival marked the beginning of the next phase of preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026.
The elephants will undergo training and participate in various rituals before the grand Jamboo Savari procession.
A second batch of elephants is expected to join the preparations as the festival approaches.
Captain for Jamboo Savari yet to be decided
The Forest Department has not yet finalised which elephant will lead the Jamboo Savari procession.
Officials said several elephants in the current squad are physically fit to carry the Golden Howdah.
However, the final decision will be taken only after assessing their performance during the training sessions.
The elephant selected as the Jamboo Savari captain will have the important responsibility of carrying the Golden Howdah during the Vijayadashami procession.
Training will determine the final choice
Weight alone will not determine which elephant gets the responsibility of leading the procession.
Officials will closely observe the elephants during training, assessing their physical fitness, behaviour and ability to handle the conditions associated with the Jamboo Savari.
Their response to crowds, sounds, traffic and ceremonial activities will be important factors in the selection.
The training period will therefore be crucial in determining the final captain.
Dasara preparations gather pace
The arrival of the elephant squad has added momentum to preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026.
The first batch of nine elephants received a traditional welcome at Mysuru Palace after completing the Gajapayana, which formally marked their entry into the city for the festival preparations.
The elephants are among the most anticipated attractions of the annual celebrations and play a central role in the Jamboo Savari procession.
Elephant health remains a priority
The Forest Department’s focus on weight monitoring reflects the importance of maintaining the elephants’ health during the preparation period.
The animals undergo a demanding schedule before the festival, including regular training and exposure to the route and atmosphere of the procession.
Officials have therefore emphasised monitoring their physical condition rather than simply increasing their weight.
Customised diets are expected to help maintain the elephants’ fitness throughout the training period.
Elephants prepare for festive atmosphere
Training is also intended to familiarise the elephants with the sounds and crowds associated with Dasara.
A recent incident involving elephant Srirama at Mysuru Palace highlighted the importance of this preparation. The elephant briefly panicked after being startled by loud drumbeats, but his mahout and kavadi quickly brought him under control.
Such incidents demonstrate why the elephants need to gradually become accustomed to the environment before the main procession.
Jamboo Savari remains the main attraction
The Jamboo Savari is the centrepiece of Mysuru Dasara and attracts large crowds every year.
The procession traditionally features decorated elephants, cultural performances, music and tableaux, with the Golden Howdah carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The elephant chosen to carry the Golden Howdah therefore occupies a particularly important position in the celebrations.
Srikanta’s weight draws attention
With Srikanta weighing 5,770 kg, his position as the heaviest elephant in the first batch has drawn attention as preparations begin.
However, officials have made it clear that being the heaviest does not automatically make an elephant the Jamboo Savari captain.
The upcoming training sessions will provide a better indication of which elephant is best suited for the responsibility.
Conclusion
Mysuru: Srikanta has emerged as the heaviest among the first batch of nine Mysuru Dasara elephants, weighing 5,770 kg, followed by Ekalavya at 5,610 kg. The weight assessment was conducted as part of preparations for the 2026 Dasara festivities.
The Forest Department said the exercise is aimed at monitoring the elephants’ health and planning customised diets rather than increasing their weight. Training for the Jamboo Savari will now begin along the procession route.
The elephant that will lead this year’s Jamboo Savari and carry the Golden Howdah will be finalised after officials assess the performance and fitness of the elephants during training.