Mysuru: Veteran elephant Abhimanyu, who has turned 60 and is set to retire from Mysuru Dasara this year, will be accorded a grand farewell and honoured during the Gajayapayana celebrations at the Veeranahosahalli gate of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur taluk on Wednesday.
Abhimanyu, one of the most recognisable elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara, has been a central figure in the Vijayadashami celebrations for several years. His retirement has disappointed many of his admirers, particularly after the Forest Department’s decision not to include him in this year’s Jamboo Savari procession in accordance with departmental guidelines and directions of the Karnataka High Court.
The Forest Department has now decided to recognise his long service at the Gajayapayana, marking the beginning of the annual Dasara elephant camp.
Abhimanyu to be honoured during Gajayapayana
The decision to honour Abhimanyu at Gajayapayana comes after demands from his fans and wildlife enthusiasts for a fitting farewell.
Former Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre had written to Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging the government to give Abhimanyu an opportunity to participate in this year’s Dasara and bid him a respectful farewell.
Khandre had suggested that Abhimanyu be included as the Nishaane elephant, traditionally positioned at the front of the Dasara procession.
He pointed out that veteran elephants Arjuna and Balarama had similarly been used as Nishaane elephants before their retirement after their years of service in the Dasara celebrations.
However, with Abhimanyu now reaching the age of 60, his participation in the main procession is subject to the applicable Forest Department guidelines and court directions.
Six-time golden howdah bearer
Abhimanyu has enjoyed an extraordinary association with Mysuru Dasara.
He was captured during a ‘Kedda’ operation in Kakanakote in 1968 and subsequently became an important part of Karnataka’s elephant management and Dasara traditions.
Over the years, Abhimanyu carried the 750-kg golden howdah six times during the Vijayadashami procession.
Overall, he has participated in Mysuru Dasara 22 times, making him one of the longest-serving and most experienced elephants associated with the festival.
His calm demeanour and ability to handle the demanding atmosphere of the grand procession made him a favourite among Dasara spectators.
For generations of Mysuru residents and visitors, Abhimanyu’s presence during the Vijayadashami procession became an important part of the Dasara experience.
Extensive role in rescue operations
Abhimanyu’s contribution has extended far beyond Mysuru Dasara.
The veteran elephant has been involved in wildlife rescue operations carried out by the Forest Department over several decades.
Officials said he has participated in operations involving the rescue of more than 300 elephants and over 80 tigers.
His experience and strength have made him valuable during difficult wildlife operations, particularly when animals needed to be captured, relocated or rescued from challenging situations.
His long service has therefore included both ceremonial responsibilities during Dasara and demanding field operations in Karnataka’s forests.
The recognition at Gajayapayana is intended to acknowledge this broader contribution to wildlife management as well.
Retirement marks end of Dasara journey
Abhimanyu’s retirement marks the end of an important chapter in his long association with Mysuru Dasara.
The Forest Department’s decision not to include him in the Jamboo Savari has led to considerable disappointment among his admirers, who had hoped to see the veteran elephant make one final appearance in the procession.
Khandre’s appeal for Abhimanyu to be given a farewell role reflected those sentiments, with the former minister citing the examples of other veteran elephants who were honoured before retirement.
While Abhimanyu will not be part of the main procession this year under the applicable guidelines, officials have chosen the Gajayapayana platform to recognise his contribution.
The event will therefore serve as an important farewell for an elephant whose life has been closely connected with both wildlife conservation and Mysuru’s iconic Dasara celebrations.
Abhimanyu to return to Mattigodu camp
After the Gajayapayana celebrations, Abhimanyu will be sent back to the Mattigodu elephant camp, Forest Department officials said.
His retirement from Dasara does not diminish the significance of his decades-long service. From his capture in the Kakanakote forest in 1968 to carrying the golden howdah and taking part in wildlife rescue operations, Abhimanyu has played a unique role in Karnataka’s elephant management history.
The Gajayapayana farewell is expected to provide an opportunity for officials, elephant handlers, Dasara enthusiasts and the public to recognise his contribution.
For many who have watched the Mysuru Dasara procession over the years, Abhimanyu’s retirement will mark the departure of one of its most familiar figures.
His six appearances carrying the golden howdah, 22 Dasara participations and extensive involvement in wildlife rescue operations have established a legacy that extends well beyond the annual festival.
The ceremonial farewell at Veeranahosahalli will thus mark not merely the retirement of a veteran Dasara elephant, but a tribute to decades of service in Karnataka’s forests and cultural traditions.