Updated On: 26 Aug 2026
HUNSUR: Minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah flagged off the Dasara elephant squad’s journey from Veeranahosahalli on Wednesday, marking the beginning of their journey to Mysuru for the annual Dasara celebrations.
The Gajapayana began with a formal puja for the elephants at the Veeranahosahalli Gate, the main entrance to Nagarahole National Park.
Jungle Lodges and Resorts Chairman and MLA Anil Chikkamadu, MLAs Harish Gowda and D Ravishankar, MLC and State Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Vice President Dr Pushpa Amarnath, Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan, Bhovi Development Corporation Chairman Ramappa Bhovi, Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy, CEO Yukesh Kumar, IGP Boralingaiah, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, ASP Mallik and DySP Ravi were among those present.
During the ceremony, the minister honoured Abhimanyu’s mahout and kawadi with the Arjuna Award.
In the first phase, Abhimanyu began his journey towards the Mysuru Palace along with elephants Srirama, Ekalavya, Srikantha, Mahendra, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Prashantha, Dhananjaya and Gopi.
A special farewell was organised for Captain Abhimanyu, who has carried the Golden Howdah six times. While the other Dasara elephants received a grand welcome during this year’s Gajapayana, a formal send-off was arranged for Abhimanyu after he crossed 60 years of age.
Abhimanyu has been closely associated with the Mysuru Dasara festival for more than two decades. He performed several important duties before taking on the prestigious responsibility of carrying the Golden Howdah.
Over the past six years, his majestic presence, calm demeanour, discipline and measured stride during the Jamboo Savari became a major highlight of the parade. Recognising his long and valuable service, the Forest
Department organised a formal tribute to honour Abhimanyu and bid him farewell during the 2026 Gajapayana.
Before the flag-off, prayers were offered at the Mastamma Temple for elephants Mahendra and Lakshmi, who had arrived from the Balle elephant camp in Nagarahole National Park. RFO Siddaraju, DRFO Chandru and other forest department staff were present.
