Abhimanyu returns for final Dasara appearance

Veteran tusker Abhimanyu, who was retired from active Dasara duties after attaining the age of 60, on Monday joined the Dasara jumbo squad in Mysuru, making his final appearance in the festivities.

The legendary elephant, who carried the golden howdah for six consecutive years and has been an integral part of Mysuru Dasara for more than two decades, received a rousing welcome on his arrival at the palace.

Known for his majestic presence, grace and precision in carrying out his duties, Abhimanyu has also earned widespread admiration for his bravery during wild elephant capture and combing operations, including several challenging missions.

Responding to the wishes of people who wanted the veteran tusker to be given a ceremonial farewell during the Jamboo Savari, the State government decided to include him in this year’s Dasara festivities as Nishane Ane, marking his final Dasara appearance.

On his arrival at the palace, Abhimanyu was accorded a warm and respectful welcome by officials and elected representatives. He was presented with a giant, special red peta (turban) by his admirers, while flowers were showered on him as a mark of honour. A huge garland made of sweet lime was placed around the tusker. Other Dasara elephants also joined to welcome the veteran tusker on his arrival at the Jayamarthanda Gate of the palace.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa, Deputy Conservator of Forest I.B. Prabhu Gowda, Mysuru Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya and others were present on the occasion. A large number of people had gathered outside the palace to welcome the tusker.

His return is expected to add considerable significance to the jumbo squad, as Abhimanyu is the most experienced elephant among the 2026 Dasara team. Forest officials said Abhimanyu will join the other elephants for training from Tuesday.

There was disappointment among wildlife enthusiasts and the public when it was initially learnt that Abhimanyu would not be part of the Dasara jumbo squad this year because of his age. The issue generated considerable discussion, following which the Forest Department decided to accord him a ceremonial farewell during Gajapayana.

Accordingly, Abhimanyu was given a red-carpet send-off during Gajapayana in the presence of a large gathering. However, people continued to express their desire to see the veteran tusker bid adieu to Dasara amid the lakhs of spectators who have watched him carry the golden howdah with remarkable precision and ease.

His participation as Nishane Ane will therefore provide an emotional finale to the Dasara journey of one of the most celebrated elephants in the history of Mysuru Dasara.