Mysuru: Elephant Abhimanyu, who had majestically carried the Golden Howdah during Dasara procession for six times in a row from 2020 to 2025, will be arriving at the Mysore Palace at 5 pm on Oct. 5.

It may be recalled that Abhimanyu was not chosen by the Forest Department to take part in this year’s Dasara as he was retired for crossing 60 years in age.

However, the demand to give a respectable farewell grew in the social media with former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre echoing public opinion.

Following this, Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that Abhimanyu would be the ‘Nishane’ elephant during this year’s Jumboo Savari.

Abhimanyu was earlier accorded a send-off before the ‘Gajapayana’ began at Veeranahosahalli and was subsequently sent to Mathigodu Elephant Camp. The decision drew strong protests from his fans, who termed it an insult to the elephant and his years of loyal service.