Gajapayana flags off Dasara elephant journey; Abhimanyu accorded ceremonial farewell
Nine specially decorated Dasara elephants were accorded a traditional welcome at Veeranahosahalli before embarking on their journey to Mysuru.
The grand Gajapayana of the first batch of Dasara elephants commenced on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Veeranahosahalli, situated on the outskirts of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur taluk. This marked the start of preparations for the renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Nine elephants, each adorned with unique decorations, received a traditional welcome at Veeranahosahalli prior to commencing their journey to Mysuru.
The event was held with great enthusiasm, drawing hundreds of locals and tribal inhabitants from surrounding villages who had gathered to witness the spectacle.
The ceremonial event was presided over by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Minister responsible for Mysuru district, alongside other esteemed dignitaries. The first group of nine elephants consisted of Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha, and Srirama. Among these, the legendary Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, known for carrying the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari for six successive years, received a particularly emotional farewell as he was set to retire from active duty.
The 60-year-old tusker was given a red-carpet welcome and showered with flowers, acknowledging his decade-long service as one of the leading elephants in the Dasara jumbo squad. His significant contributions to the festivities were specially recognized during the ceremony.
The first set of elephants will travel in specially arranged trucks to Mysuru and will be stationed at Aranya Bhavan before being officially welcomed into the Mysuru Palace on August 28.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
