Dasara elephants to be formally handed over to Mysuru palace on August 28
The Forest Department has selected 14 elephants for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival, with the first batch of nine set to be handed over to palace authorities on August 28. The selection process included comprehensive health assessments, including ECGs, to ensure the animals are prepared for the event.
Why it matters
This event is a significant cultural tradition in Karnataka, and the health and welfare of the elephants are critical for the festival's success and public safety.
The nine elephants selected in the first batch for participation in Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be formally handed over to the Mysuru palace authorities on Friday (August 28), following the traditional Gajapayana at Veeranahosahalli near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday (August 26).
The handover ceremony will be held in the presence of Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy and will mark the next major stage in preparations for the grand festival.
The ceremony on the palace premises will formally mark the elephants’ participation in the festival and facilitate their acclimatisation to the palace environment ahead of the Dasara celebrations.
The Forest Department has selected 14 elephants for participation in Mysuru Dasara 2026 following comprehensive health examinations, veterinary assessments and recommendations of the Dasara Elephant Selection Committee.
Of the 14 elephants, nine will participate in the first batch, three in the second batch, while two have been kept as reserves.
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