The preparations for the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations have gained even more attention with the traditional welcome to the veteran elephant Abhimanyu at the Mysuru Palace on October 5.
Abhimanyu, one of the main figures in Mysuru Dasara ceremonies for over a decade, was welcomed with a ceremonial visit at the palace ahead of the 2026 festivities. It was another landmark for the veteran elephant, who has carried the golden howdah during the historic Jamboo Savari procession for many years.
Abhimanyu returns to Dasara celebrations
Abhimanyu has retired from carrying the golden howdah at 60 years of age. However, his association with the Mysuru Dasara celebrations will continue in 2026.
The veteran elephant will be present in this year’s festivities in the role of the ‘Nishane Aane’ or flag-bearing elephant. Abhimanyu will continue to participate in the grand Jamboo Savari procession, and he will remain a part of one of Karnataka’s most celebrated cultural events.
His return in a different way has been added to the preparations for the Dasara festival.
Former Golden Howdah Bearer
Abhimanyu is closely associated with Mysuru Dasara and was entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari.
The golden howdah is one of the central attractions of the Vijayadashami procession, which brings thousands of visitors to Mysuru every year. The elephant carrying the howdah is traditionally a focal point of the procession.
After many years of service, Abhimanyu has retired from the demanding responsibility of carrying the golden howdah. As the Nishane Aane, he can still be part of the annual celebration while having a different ceremonial role.
Mysuru, Oct. 5 – ‘Abhimanyu’, who is back in Mysuru to take part in this year’s Dasara as the Nishane Aane (Lead Elephant) was given a traditional welcome at Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysore Palace this morning. He was welcomed by MLA T.S. Srivatsa, DCF I.B. Prabhugowda, Mysore Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya, ACP (Mysore Palace) Chandrashekar, RFO Yashma Machamma and Veterinarian Dr. Adarsh
— Star Of Mysore (@Star_Of_Mysore) October 5, 2026
Traditional Welcome at Mysuru Palace
The traditional welcome given to Abhimanyu on October 5 was part of the ongoing preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026.
The presence of the veteran elephant at the palace will evoke memories among Dasara followers who have witnessed him at the Jamboo Savari parade.
The Mysuru Dasara celebrations integrate the royal heritage of the Mysuru Palace, cultural events, and the spectacular Vijayadashami procession. Elephants from the forest camps are a key part of the celebrations and are trained and ready well ahead of the main event.
Abhimanyu’s role in Jamboo Savari
Though Abhimanyu will no longer carry the golden howdah, his role as Nishane Aane means he will always remain in the Jamboo Savari.
His participation is also in line with the elephants being part of Mysuru Dasara. Many elephants over the years have become familiar to visitors and devotees who attend the procession.
Now that Abhimanyu is playing the role of the flag-bearing elephant, the attention will be on his participation when the grand Vijayadashami procession takes place.
The 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations are expected to draw visitors from all over Karnataka and other parts of the country. Preparations are ongoing, and Abhimanyu’s traditional welcome is one of the major moments ahead of this year’s celebrations.
