Preparations are continuing for the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, and the veteran elephant Abhimanyu is scheduled to arrive at the Mysuru Palace from the forest today. The elephant has been in the midst of the Dasara celebration for some years and is expected to reach the palace around 9 a.m.
Abhimanyu will be the Nishane elephant for Mysuru Dasara. At this stage of preparation, the palace is a very important point, and it can be seen that we are slowly getting ready for the big festival.
The palace board will give Abhimanyu a traditional welcome when he arrives at the palace. Arrangements are made to receive the elephant in the spirit of the Dasara elephant squad.
Abhimanyu selected as Nishane elephant
Abhimanyu has built his reputation in Mysuru Dasara for a long time in the festival. He has been there for celebrations and has also been involved in the Jamboo Savari procession.
This year, however, Abhimanyu will not carry the Golden Howdah. The veteran elephant has already retired from the duties of carrying the Golden Howdah, which requires a lot of strength and endurance for him.
Abhimanyu has been chosen as the Nishane elephant for the 2026 Dasara celebration. The Nishane elephant is traditionally the main player in the Jamboo Savari procession and leads the ceremonial movement of the elephant squad.
The fans wanted Abhimanyu to be part of Dasara
Abhimanyu's participation in this year's Dasara is of particular importance for his admirers. His fans had said they would like to see the old elephant bid a farewell during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
The demand was that Abhimanyu should participate in the festival before eventually bidding farewell to his long history with Dasara events. As his admirers wish, Abhimanyu is participating in the festival.
He will be a witness to his Dasara fans who have followed him.
Traditional welcome at Mysuru Palace
With Abhimanyu expected to arrive at the palace at 9 am, the Palace Board is preparing to welcome him traditionally. His arrival from the forest to the city is an important part of the annual Dasara preparations.
The Dasara elephant squad undergoes a lot of preparation prior to the main event and elephants are kept in mind for palace and ceremonial activities and crowds at the festival.
Abhimanyu being chosen as the Nishane elephant gives him a big place even after his retirement from carrying the Golden Howdah. His participation will give Dasara visitors and his admirers a chance to see the veteran elephant as part of the grand celebrations again.
The Mysuru Dasara festivities in 2026 will culminate in the Jamboo Savari, one of the most important events and attractions of the festivity. Abhimanyu as the Nishane elephant will have some special significance in this year's procession.
For the Dasara followers, the veteran elephant's return to the palace and participation in the celebrations will be closely watched, in particular because of the affection he has received from the public over his long association with Mysuru Dasara.
