The traditional Gajapayana journey of Dasara elephants begins on August 26. As the first batch of nine elephants departs, the forest department prepares for the retirement of the legendary tusker Abhimanyu.
- The Gajapayana journey from Nagarahole forests to Mysuru starts on Wednesday, August 26.
- The first batch consists of nine elephants including Dhananjaya, Mahendra, and Ekalavya.
- Veteran tusker Abhimanyu is retiring after 60 years of age.
- The successor for the golden howdah will be chosen during Jamboo Savari rehearsals.
The grand preparations for the iconic Mysuru Dasara festivities have officially entered a crucial phase. The Gajapayana, the traditional procession of Dasara elephants from the dense forests of Nagarahole to the city of Mysuru, is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 26. The first batch of elephants will gather at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk for a traditional welcome before embarking on their journey.
The End of an Era: Abhimanyu's Retirement
This year's arrival of the 'jumbos' carries a sense of nostalgia and transition. The celebrated tusker Abhimanyu, who has carried the massive 750-kg golden howdah for six consecutive years with unparalleled grace, will not participate in this year's squad. Following his 60th birthday, the Forest Department has officially decided to retire the veteran, marking the end of a majestic era in Dasara history.
Abhimanyu's retirement marks the conclusion of a golden chapter in the cultural tapestry of Mysuru's Jamboo Savari.
The Search for a Successor
With Abhimanyu stepping down, the spotlight turns to the search for his successor. The responsibility of carrying the iconic golden howdah is one of the most prestigious roles in the festival. BozokMedia analysis shows that the Forest Department has already identified four to five capable tuskers who have been groomed for this task. The final selection will be made during the rigorous rehearsals for the Jamboo Savari, taking into account various physical and behavioral factors.
Batch Details and Elephant Profiles
The first batch comprises nine elephants: Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugriva, Lakshmi, and Kaveri. Among them, Prashantha and Lakshmi are the seniors at 54 years, while Ekalavya and Srirama are the youngest at 41. The second batch will follow with elephants such as Roopa, Chaitra, and the oldest member of the squad, Srikanta (57 years).
| Batch Category | First Batch (Batch 1) | Second Batch (Batch 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Elephants | 9 | 5 |
| Key Elephants | Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya | Roopa, Chaitra, Srikanta |
| Age Range | 41 - 54 years | 21 - 57 years |
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Prabhu Gowda, stated that the selection process for the new howdah carrier will be meticulous. The arrival of these majestic animals signifies the beginning of the countdown to the grand festivities in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is Gajapayana?
Answer: It is the traditional journey of elephants from the forests of Nagarahole to Mysuru to participate in the Dasara festivities.
Question 2: Why is Abhimanyu not part of the Dasara squad this year?
Answer: Due to his age (60 years), the Forest Department has decided to retire him to ensure his well-being.
