Will Abhimanyu get a royal farewell in Dasara procession?

Will Abhimanyu obtain a royal farewell in Dasara procession? Minister Eshwar B.

Key points

• Elephant Abhimanyu flanked by Lakshmi and Hiranya, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah during Jamboo Savari during the Mysuru Dasara in 2024.
• With the Forest Department deciding to retire the 60-year-old tusker from Dasara duties, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B.
• Abhimanyu, from the Mathigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole, has participated in more than 300 elephant-capture operations and over 80 tiger-capture operations.
• Khandre remarked Abhimanyu had earned a special place in the hearts of residents throughout Karnataka by carrying the 750-kg golden howdah with majesty.
• The decision to keep Abhimanyu out of this year's Dasara has disappointed lakhs of his admirers, Mr.

Will Abhimanyu obtain a royal farewell in Dasara procession? Minister Eshwar B. Khandre urges Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to allow the celebrated tusker to participate in this year's Vijayadashami procession as the Nishane elephant and offer the veteran jumbo a ceremonial send-off. Updated – August 20, 2026 10: 31 am IST – MYSURU.

Elephant Abhimanyu flanked by Lakshmi and Hiranya, carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah during Jamboo Savari during the Mysuru Dasara in 2024. Photo Credit: File Photo.

Can celebrated tusker Abhimanyu. This person served as a member of the elite Mysuru Dasara jumbo squad for over 25 years and carried the golden howdah six times, obtain one final opportunity to participate in the iconic Jamboo Savari.

With the Forest Department deciding to retire the 60-year-old tusker from Dasara duties, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, who earlier served as the Forest Minister, has pressed Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to allow Abhimanyu to participate in this year's Vijayadashami procession and provide the veteran jumbo a ceremonial and royal farewell.

In a letter to Mr. Reddy, Mr. Khandre remarked Abhimanyu had earned a special place in the hearts of residents throughout Karnataka by carrying the 750-kg golden howdah with majesty. Rather than abruptly keeping him out of the Dasara festivities, the tusker could be included as the Nishane Aane (flag elephant) and given a dignified send-off, he suggested.

In practice, the Jamboo Savari is the main attraction of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara, and individuals share a deep emotional bond with the elephants that participate in the annual festivities, particularly the tuskers that carry the golden howdah. The decision to keep Abhimanyu out of this year's Dasara has disappointed lakhs of his admirers, Mr. Khandre remarked.

Abhimanyu, from the Mathigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole, has participated in more than 300 elephant-capture operations and over 80 tiger-capture operations. His successful handling of challenging wildlife operations, apart from his six appearances as the golden-howdah bearer, has created him one of the most celebrated elephants in the State.

Mr. Khandre cited the examples of legendary tuskers Arjuna and Balarama. It continued to participate in Dasara even after attaining the age of 60. Arjuna, captured during the Kakanakote Khedda operation in 1968, took part in the Jamboo Savari 22 times and carried the golden howdah on eight occasions.

He pressed the Forest Department to extend a similar honour to Abhimanyu by allowing him to participate in this year's Jamboo Savari and bid farewell to the veteran tusker in a manner befitting his long and distinguished service.

For now, will Abhimanyu get a royal farewell in Dasara procession? Remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.