The grand 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 (August 26, 2026), marking the 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. The event was held with much fanfare in the presence of hundreds of locals and tribal people from neighbouring hamlets, who gathered to witness the spectacle.

Minister in-charge of Mysuru district Yathindra Siddaramaiah flagged off the Gajapayana in the presence of other dignitaries. The first batch comprises Mahendra, Srikanta, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Kaveri, Prashantha and Srirama.

Adieu to Abhimanyu

The Gajapayana also witnessed an emotional moment as legendary 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 active Dasara duties.

The 60-year-old tusker was given a red-carpet welcome and showered with flowers as a mark of respect for his decade-long service as one of the leading elephants in the Dasara jumbo squad. His contribution to the Dasara festivities was specially remembered during the ceremony.

The first batch of elephants will travel to Mysuru in specially arranged trucks and will be stationed at Aranya Bhavan before being formally welcomed into the Mysuru Palace premises on August 28.