Preparations for the world-famous Mysuru Dasara 2026 officially commenced on August 26, 2026, with the flagging off of the ceremonial 'Gajapayana' at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur taluk. Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah performed traditional rituals and offered fruits to the elephant squad before flagging off their journey to Mysuru city.
The first batch comprises nine elephants: Mahendra, Dhananjaya, Prashantha, Srirama, Gopi, Ekalavya, Srikanta, Lakshmi, and Kaveri. After staying at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram for two days to recover from travel stress, the elephant squad received a grand traditional welcome at the Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysuru Palace on August 28. Hundreds of residents and tourists lined the streets to photograph and cheer the majestic arrival of the jumbos.
The ceremony carried emotional significance as veteran tusker Abhimanyu was accorded a ceremonial farewell ahead of his retirement from active Dasara duties. Having served for 25 years and carried the 750-kg golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari on six occasions, the 60-year-old tusker was showered with flower petals and given a red-carpet tribute. Forest department authorities will now begin weight monitoring, special daily nutrition, and route rehearsals along the Jamboo Savari stretch for the active elephant squad in preparation for the upcoming grand festivities.
