Legendary howdah elephant Abhimanyu receiving a ceremonial farewell during Gajapayana at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
The iconic tusker Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah six times in a row during the Jamboo Savari and remained an integral part of Mysuru Dasara for over two decades, on Wednesday bid adieu to his Dasara responsibilities. He was accorded a ceremonial send-off during the Gajapayana at Veeranahosahalli, on the outskirts of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.It was an emotional moment for Abhimanyu’s mahout and kavadi, Vasanth and Karthik, as well as forest staff and officials, who have witnessed the veteran tusker’s remarkable contribution to Dasara over the years. Abhimanyu is regarded as one of the celebrated members of the Dasara jumbo squad and the Forest Department.Vasanth and Karthik also bid farewell to the tusker who will no longer be part of the Dasara festivities from this year.All eyes were on Abhimanyu after the Forest Department announced that a ceremonial farewell would be accorded to him during the Gajapayana. A large number of people gathered to witness the special moment and captured it on their cameras. Crowds clapped and blew whistles to celebrate the veteran tusker’s contribution and selfless service to Mysuru Dasara.Some Dasara elephants become part of the festival’s enduring legacy through their exceptional service and distinctive contributions. Abhimanyu now joins the illustrious list of elephants whose association with Dasara will be remembered for generations, having played a defining role in the festivities and carried the golden howdah with remarkable dignity and precision.The emotional farewell to the veteran tusker was witnessed by elected representatives, senior officials and dignitaries, who joined forest staff and the public in acknowledging Abhimanyu’s invaluable contribution to the world-famous Mysuru Dasara. Published - August 26, 2026 08:15 pm IST
