End of an era: Abhimanyu retires from Mysuru Dasara

It is official. As the Forest Department has retired him from Dasara duties after he attained the age of 60 in April this year.

Although Abhimanyu’s retirement was anticipated because of his age, his name had initially figured in the list of elephants proposed for this year’s Mysuru Dasara, tusker Abhimanyu, the celebrated lead elephant of the Mysuru Dasara jumbo squad, will no longer be part of the annual festivities. However, the authorities afterwards decided to relieve the veteran tusker of his duties, acknowledging his impeccable record as the lead elephant and the admiration he has received from thousands of spectators over the years.

The elephants for Dasara were selected from various elephant camps after a team of forest officials and veterinarians assessed their health, fitness, temperament and behaviour. The team visited the camps and shortlisted the elephants based on detailed health reports and their suitability for the Dasara duties.

At a selection meeting, the department finalised 12 elephants for this year’s festivities, besides identifying two as reserves. Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy released the list in Bengaluru on Tuesday (August 18) in the presence of Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prabhu Gowda.

Abhimanyu’s absence from the final list confirms his retirement from Dasara duties. For forest officials, particularly those associated with the annual elephant squad, it will be challenging to imagine the team without Abhimanyu. However, his age was a decisive factor.

“We had no option. Abhimanyu attained 60 years earlier this year. We cannot use elephants once they cross 60. In the case of Arjuna too, we had to relieve him of his duties owing to age. It was painful to imagine these elephants not being part of Dasara. Nevertheless, they will be remembered forever for their majesty and the responsibilities they handled over the years,” said Mr. Gowda.

The 12 elephants selected for Dasara are Dhananjaya, 45, Mahendra, 42, Ekalavya, 41, Prashantha, 54, Gopi, 43, Srirama, 41, Sugriva, 44, Lakshmi, 54, Kaveri, 46, Roopa, 50, Chaitra, 55, and Srikanta, 57. While Ekalavya, Srikanta and Bheema are from Mattigodu camp, bheema, 26, and Harsha, 51, have been kept in reserve.

Seven elephants — Dhananjaya, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugriva, Lakshmi and Harsha — are from Dubare camp. Mahendra is from Balle camp and Chaitra from Ramapura camp.

Dr. Gowda told The Hindu that four to five tuskers are generally trained for the responsibility of carrying the golden howdah, providing a backup arrangement along with the lead elephant, every year.

Abhimanyu’s successor has not yet been finalised and the decision will be taken after the elephants commence training for the Jamboo Savari, the Deputy Conservator of Forests said.

“We have Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Srirama and Sugriva. This person can replace Abhimanyu. They are competent and can take up the responsibility. The decision will be taken later,” Dr. Gowda added.