Folk and cultural troupes performing during Gajapayana of Dasara elephants at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday.

| Photo Credit: M. A. Sriram

The Gajapayana of the first batch of Dasara elephants was flagged off at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur taluk on Wednesday, marking the formal beginning of preparations for the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festivities.Nine specially decorated Dasara elephants were accorded a traditional welcome at Veeranahosahalli before embarking on their journey to Mysuru, where they will camp and undergo training for nearly two months ahead of the grand Jamboo Savari on the Dasara finale.The event was witnessed by hundreds of locals and tribal people from neighbouring hamlets and was marked by cultural and folk performances. Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah flagged off the Gajapayana in the presence of elected representatives and senior officials.The first batch comprises Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha and Srirama.The event also witnessed an emotional moment as veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari for six consecutive years, was accorded a ceremonial farewell ahead of his retirement from Dasara duties.The majestic 60-year-old tusker, which was specially decorated, was given a red-carpet welcome and showered with flowers in recognition of his long service to the Dasara festivities. His contribution to the grand procession was specially remembered during the ceremony.After the customary programme, the first batch of elephants was transported to Mysuru in specially-arranged trucks. They will camp at Aranya Bhavan before being formally welcomed into the Mysuru Palace premises on Friday. The elephants were accompanied by their mahouts, kavadis and their family members. Temporary shelters have been arranged on the palace premises for their stay.Speaking at the stage programme after inaugurating the Gajapayana, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah said Mysuru Dasara has a history of more than 400 years and represents Karnataka’s culture, art and literature.“The elephants will be trained for nearly two months. They will be provided nutritious food and undergo regular health check-ups. Their nutritional needs and health are monitored throughout the year,” he said.Referring to Abhimanyu, the Minister said the veteran elephant was being given a ceremonial farewell and wished him a healthy and long life.Responding to concerns raised by Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda over farmers cultivating land and residing in areas claimed by the Forest Department, Dr. Yathindra said a joint survey by the Revenue and Forest Departments would be conducted to resolve the issue.He also assured that steps would be taken to prevent sewage from entering the Lakshmanathirtha river by providing the required underground drainage infrastructure.On human-animal conflict, the Minister said barricades and fencing had been installed at vulnerable locations. He appealed to people to coexist peacefully with wildlife and allow animals to live freely in their natural habitat.He also said arrangements would be made to hold an air show during this year’s Dasara.Presiding over the programme, the Hunsur MLA said the 400-year-old Mysuru Dasara was a unique celebration that had continued with grandeur from the era of the Maharajas to the present democratic era. “It is a matter of pride for the people of Hunsur that Dasara begins from our taluk with the traditional Gajapayana,” he said.He also sought a joint survey by the Forest and Revenue Departments to clearly demarcate forest boundaries and demanded compensation for crop losses caused by wild animals.A souvenir on the Dasara Gajapayana was released during the programme. Mahouts and kavadis accompanying the elephants were felicitated. Abhimanyu’s mahout Vasanth and kavadi Raghu J.K. were presented with the Arjuna award and honoured.MLAs Anil Chikkamadu, D. Ravishankar, Guarantee Schemes Authority Vice-Chairperson Pushpa Amarnath, Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Yukesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, DCF Prabhu Gowda and senior officials of various departments were present. Published - August 26, 2026 07:31 pm IST