First batch of 9 Dasara elephants head to Mysuru

MYSURU: Preparations for the world-famous Mysuru Dasara Mahotsav-2026 are in full swing. The Gajapayana, which is the main attraction of the NAada Habba, got off to a grand start at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur on Wednesday. Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah flagged off the first batch of nine Dasara elephants after offering puja during the auspicious Tula lagna.

After that, the elephant contingent walked from forest towards city. At the same time, a respectful farewell was given to Captain Abhimanyu, who was part of Dasara grandeur for 25 years and had carried the golden howdah six times. In the first phase, nine elephants — Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashanth, Gopi, Srirama, Sugriva, Lakshmi and Kaveri — came to Mysuru and will start Dasara rehearsals.

The elephant which will carry the golden howdah has not been finalised yet. After conducting rehearsal, the ambari elephant will be selected, said Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

A respectful farewell to Captain Abhimanyu, who was an integral part of Mysuru Dasara for 25 years. Since Abhimanyu, who increased the grandeur of Jamboo Savari by carrying the heavy golden ambari six times, has retired this time, puja was offered to the elephant at the time of Gajapayana itself and farewell was given.

Considering Abhimanyu’s service as per government’s instruction, respectful farewell has been given, said DCF Prabhugowda. There are speculations about Abhimanyu being brought to the procession as Nishane elephant, but a final decision has not yet been made on this. Minister clarified that possibilities will be examined and decision will be taken in coming days.

Further, preparations are also under way for organizing Kambala in this year’s Dasara Mahotsav and the venue has already been identified for Kambala. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also has instructed to conduct Kambala, said Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Though Gajapayana has been flagged off, the Dasara elephants will enter Mysuru on August 28. They will then be taken Aranya Bhavan towards the Mysuru palace. With the elephant contingent stepping from forest to city, this year’s Dasara programmes have officially started.