Abhimanyu to be ceremonially retired from Dasara duties
The legendary Dasara elephant Abhimanyu is set to be ceremonially retired from active festival duties in Mysuru. The Forest Department plans to honor the 60-year-old tusker with a special tribute during the upcoming Gajapayana 2026.
Why it matters
Abhimanyu is a cultural icon of the Mysuru Dasara festival, and his retirement marks the end of a significant era in the event's history.
Legendary Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who carried the 750-kg golden howdah with majesty and grace during the Jamboo Savari for six consecutive years, will be ceremonially honoured and retired from active Dasara duties this year.
The decision comes ahead of the traditional Gajapayana, the ceremonial march of Dasara elephants from the forest camps to Mysuru. It begins at Veeranahosahalli near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday (August 26), marking the commencement of preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026.
Now aged 60, Abhimanyu is being withdrawn from active Dasara duties in accordance with government guidelines and directions of the Karnataka High Court. Recognising his exceptional service to the festival and the Forest Department, Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy and former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, who is the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister now, have decided to honour the veteran tusker with a special tribute, according to the Forest Department.
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