Mysuru: Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who carried the Golden Howdah six times during the Jumboo Savari, returned to the Mysore Palace on October 5 and received a traditional welcome ahead of the 2026 Dasara celebrations.

Abhimanyu, who was retired from the main Dasara elephant squad this year, arrived at the Palace from the Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Kodagu in a Forest Department truck at around 9 am. He has now been designated as the Nishane Aane, or lead elephant, for this year’s Vijayadashami procession.

A large number of Abhimanyu’s admirers followed the truck from Hunsur to Mysuru on motorcycles and cars, while fans gathered outside the Palace to welcome the veteran elephant.

Traditional welcome at Jayamarthanda Gate

A flower carpet was laid at the Jayamarthanda Gate to welcome Abhimanyu when he arrived at the Palace.

After the elephant alighted from the Forest Department truck, Palace priest S.V. Prahallad Rao performed a traditional puja. Kumkum and turmeric were applied to Abhimanyu’s feet as part of the welcome ceremony.

The other Dasara elephants were lined up at the Palace and raised their trunks when Abhimanyu arrived, marking the return of their senior member and former lead elephant.

A large garland made of sweet lime, weighing around 80 kg, was also placed around Abhimanyu.

Several of his admirers, many of whom wore T-shirts featuring his photograph, gathered at the Palace to see him return for the Dasara festivities.

Abhimanyu carried Golden Howdah six times

Abhimanyu is one of the best-known elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara.

He carried the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Jumboo Savari for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025. His return to the Palace this year has therefore attracted considerable public attention.

The Forest Department had initially excluded Abhimanyu from the 2026 Dasara elephant squad. The decision was linked to his approaching retirement age, and he was not included in the 12-member squad announced in August.

The decision led to disappointment among his admirers, who demanded that the elephant receive a ceremonial farewell in Mysuru and be given the traditional role of Nishane Aane.

Forest Minister orders ceremonial role

Following public demands, Forest Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy directed the Forest Department to make arrangements for Abhimanyu to participate in the 2026 Dasara procession as the Nishane Aane.

The decision came after campaigns and public protests calling for recognition of Abhimanyu’s long association with the festival.

The veteran elephant was previously given a send-off at Veeranahosahalli on August 26 before being sent back to the Mathigodu Elephant Camp. The subsequent decision to bring him back for the final Dasara appearance has now allowed him to take part in the festivities in a different ceremonial role.

Fans follow elephant from Hunsur to Mysuru

Abhimanyu’s journey from Mathigodu to Mysuru turned into a public spectacle, with several fans following the Forest Department truck from Hunsur.

Supporters travelled on bikes and in cars to accompany the elephant on his journey to the Palace.

At the Palace, admirers gathered to catch a glimpse of Abhimanyu and celebrate his return. Some fans wore specially printed T-shirts carrying his photograph.

The public response reflects Abhimanyu’s popularity after years of participation in the Mysuru Dasara procession.

Officials and elephant-care team present

Several officials and members of Abhimanyu’s care team were present during the welcome ceremony.

Those present included MLA T.S. Srivatsa, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr I.B. Prabhugowda, Palace Security ACP Chandrashekar, RFO Yashma Machamma and veterinarian Dr Adarsh.

Abhimanyu’s mahout Vasantha and kavadi Raju were also present during the ceremony.

Their presence marked the formal return of the veteran elephant to the Palace as preparations continue for the Vijayadashami procession.

Abhimanyu to join elephant training

Although Abhimanyu has extensive experience with Dasara festivities and is accustomed to crowds and loud sounds, officials said he would still participate in the training programme along with the other elephants.

DCF Dr I.B. Prabhugowda said Abhimanyu does not require specific training because he is already familiar with loud sounds and the atmosphere associated with Dasara.

However, he will participate in the elephant training programme scheduled ahead of the procession.

The acclimatisation exercises will include exposure to the booming sounds of ceremonial cannons. Training sessions are scheduled for October 7, 9 and 12.

The exercises are intended to familiarise the elephants with the sounds they will encounter during the Vijayadashami procession.

Public advised to maintain safe distance

Forest officials have appealed to the public to maintain a safe distance from the Dasara elephants during the training sessions.

The large crowds gathering around Abhimanyu and the other elephants have increased public interest in the preparations. However, officials have stressed that elephants should be observed without people moving too close to them.

Maintaining a safe distance is particularly important during training, when the elephants are being exposed to different sounds, movements and other elements associated with the Dasara procession.

Final Dasara appearance for Abhimanyu

The 2026 Dasara is expected to mark Abhimanyu’s final appearance in the festival.

Having carried the Golden Howdah six times, his return this year as the Nishane Aane gives the veteran elephant a ceremonial role even though he is no longer part of the main Howdah-carrying squad.

The decision also follows the tradition of giving senior elephants associated with the Golden Howdah a prominent role during their final Dasara appearance.

Abhimanyu’s participation is therefore expected to be one of the emotional highlights of this year’s Jumboo Savari, particularly for visitors and long-time followers who have watched him lead the procession in previous years.

Conclusion

Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu returned to the Mysore Palace from Mathigodu Elephant Camp on October 5 and received a traditional welcome from Palace priests, officials, fellow elephants and his fans.

After carrying the Golden Howdah six times from 2020 to 2025, Abhimanyu will participate in his final Dasara this year as the Nishane Aane. He will also join the elephant training sessions ahead of the October 21 Vijayadashami procession.