Abhimanyu receives emotional farewell in final Dasara appearance

Veteran tusker Abhimanyu received an affectionate farewell as he made his final appearance in the Mysuru Dasara procession on Wednesday (October 21).

Leading the procession as the ‘Nishane Ane’, Abhimanyu, who had carried the golden howdah six times in a row, was given a rousing welcome by a large number of people as he made his way along the procession route.

Abhimanyu retired from active Dasara duties after attaining the age of 60 this year. However, responding to requests from his admirers and animal lovers, the Forest Department permitted the veteran elephant to participate in the procession one last time as the ‘Nishane Ane’, in recognition of his selfless and invaluable service to Mysuru Dasara for over two decades. He has also played a significant role in various operations undertaken by the Forest Department over the years.

Abhimanyu has been succeeded by Prashanth as the golden howdah elephant, continuing the grand legacy of celebrated tuskers such as Drona, Balarama and Arjuna, who led the iconic Jamboo Savari over the decades.