Dasara Gajapayana on Aug 26; nine elephants in first batch
The annual Gajapayana journey of Dasara elephants from Nagarahole to Mysuru is set to begin on August 26. This year's squad features nine elephants, while the veteran tusker Abhimanyu has been retired from his role of carrying the golden howdah.
Why it matters
The Mysuru Dasara is a major cultural event in India, and the selection of the elephant squad is a significant traditional process that draws national attention.
The Gajapayana, the traditional journey of Dasara elephants from the forests of Nagarahole to Mysuru, will be held on Wednesday. The elephants selected for the first batch will assemble at Veeranahosahalli in Hunsur taluk, where they will receive a traditional welcome before beginning their journey to Mysuru.
The arrival of the jumbos marks the beginning of preparations for the Mysuru Dasara festivities scheduled to be held in October.
Nine elephants from various elephant camps have been selected for the first batch. They are Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugriva, Lakshmi and Kaveri. Six of them are from Dubare camp, two from Balle camp and one from Mathigodu camp.
Abhimanyu, the celebrated tusker that carried the 750-kg golden howdah for six consecutive years, will not be part of this year’s Dasara elephant squad. The Forest Department has decided to retire the veteran tusker after he attained the age of 60.
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