Preparations begin for Mysuru Dasara as elephant squad is finalised
The Forest Department and Mysuru district administration have commenced preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026, selecting a 12‑elephant squad to take part in the iconic procession and scheduling the traditional Gajapayana — the journey of elephants to the palace city — to start on August 26, officials said.
One of the most significant developments ahead of this year’s festivities is the decision to rest Abhimanyu, an elephant that has long been associated with Mysuru Dasara. Abhimanyu turned 60 in April and, under Forest Department norms, elephants above that age are not assigned strenuous duties during Dasara events. As a result, the department has declared the tusker retired from procession duties.
"According to Forest Department rules, elephants above the age of 60 cannot be assigned strenuous duties during Dasara."
Abhimanyu, popularly called 'Kadina Kavalugara' (Guardian of the Forest), had carried the Ambari for six consecutive years and is also widely known for his role as a combing specialist during forest operations. The decision to retire him reflects both welfare guidelines and administrative adherence to the existing rulebook, the department said.
Elephant roster and backups
The 12 elephants selected for Dasara 2026 are Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra and Srikantha, the Forest Department reported. Two additional animals — Bheema and Harsha — have been placed on standby to cover any emergency or unforeseen requirement during the festival period.
- Selected elephants: Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra, Srikantha.
- Standby elephants: Bheema, Harsha.
- Gajapayana start date: 26 August 2026.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Festival | Mysuru Dasara 2026 |
| Elephant squad | 12 selected; 2 on standby |
| Notable change | Abhimanyu retired from procession duties after turning 60 |
| Gajapayana begins | 26 August 2026 |
Local context and implications
Mysuru Dasara is an elaborate, month‑long cultural event with deep local and tourist interest. The selection and welfare of elephants is closely watched by residents, animal‑welfare groups and the many thousands who travel to Mysuru for the festivities. The Forest Department’s pronouncement follows established age‑based guidelines that restrict assignment of heavy duties to older animals during strenuous events.
Beyond spectacle, the move to retire Abhimanyu underscores ongoing conversations about animal welfare and the management of captive elephants in Karnataka. Officials have indicated that logistical and ceremonial arrangements will proceed with the newly named squad, and that the traditional welcoming puja for the arriving elephants will be performed as part of the formal reception in Mysuru.
District administration and forest officials are coordinating housing, veterinary oversight and transit arrangements for the animals as the Gajapayana begins late next month. Preparations include route planning, crowd management, and veterinary checks to ensure the health and safety of both elephants and handlers during the journey and the subsequent rehearsals for the Dasara procession.
For Mysuru residents, the selected line‑up and Abhimanyu’s retirement are likely to shape public discussions in the run‑up to Dasara, with interest spanning heritage preservation, festival continuity and ethical treatment of animals that are central to the city’s cultural identity.
Further details on procession roles, rehearsals and the full Dasara programme will be announced by the district administration and the Forest Department as preparations progress towards the October calendar events.
