Mysuru: After successfully taking part in Dasara festivities, all 13 Dasara elephants, including Golden Howdah carrier Prashantha and former Captain and ‘Combing Star’ Abhimanyu, were given a traditional farewell at Mysore Palace yesterday.
A total of 13 elephants had taken part in the Dasara festivities. While nine Dasara elephants arrived in the first batch on Aug. 26, the second batch of three elephants arrived on Sept. 15. Abhimanyu, who had carried the Golden Howdah for six times was given retirement as he had reached the age of 60. But following public demand especially from Abhimanyu’s fans, the State Government had given permission for Abhimanyu to take part in Dasara as ‘Nishane’ elephant for the last time, following which he arrived in Mysuru on Oct. 5.
‘Combing Star’ Abhimanyu and Mahout Vasantha, who made their last appearance this year, bidding farewell to the crowd at Mysore Palace.
On Oct. 15, District in-Charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah announced that Prashantha has been selected to carry the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Jumboo Savari.
With Abhimanyu in the lead, all the elephants walked majestically with Prashantha carrying the Golden Howdah during Jumboo Savari from Mysore Palace premises and reached the Torchlight Parade Grounds at Bannimantap successfully. The elephants after taking rest, boarded trucks and reached the Palace at night.
Yesterday morning, the elephants were led to Jayamarthanda Gate where Palace priest S.V. Prahallad Rao performed puja and offered fruits, sugarcane and jaggery to them.
Later, mahouts, kavadis and their family members were honoured following which the elephants were made to board the trucks and the family members loaded their luggage to the respective trucks. At about 2.30 pm, the trucks left the Palace through Jayamarthanda Gate with Police security.
While jumbos Prashantha, Kaveri, Sugreeva, Dhananjaya, Srirama and Gopi left for Dubare Elephant Camp, ‘Combing Star’ Abhimanyu and Srikanta left for Mathigodu Camp, Mahendra and Lakshmi left for Balle Camp, Ekalavya went back to Bheemanakatte Camp, Roopa left to Doddaharave Camp and Chaitra went back to Rampura Elephant Camp.
Crowd bids adieu
As soon as the trucks carrying the elephants came out of Palace premises, huge crowd of people, who had assembled outside the Palace and on the roadsides waved at the elephants, mahouts and kavadis. A few people folded their hands with respect when the elephants passed them. Many cheered for Abhimanyu, who made his last appearance this year.
The trucks carrying the jumbos passed via Hardinge Circle, Gun House Circle, Chamaraja Double Road, Ramaswamy Circle, JLB Road, Metropole Hotel Circle, Vinoba Road, Manandawadi Road and Nanjangud Road to reach their respective camps.
Success beyond expectation
Every elephant fulfilled their responsibilities during Jumboo Savari beyond expectations. Training in phases was given to the nine elephants which arrived in the first batch. Weight carrying training was given to Prashantha and other elephants and finally Prashantha carried the Golden Howdah during Jumboo Savari successfully amidst huge crowd.
— Dr. I.B. Prabhugowda, Deputy Conservator of Forests Mysuru Wildlife Division
Health monitored regularly
The health of all Dasara elephants was being monitored regularly after they reached Mysore Palace and their health were checked daily. Ultrasound Scanning, Thermal Scanning, screening their feet using metal detectors and various other tests were conducted. They were also put on special diet and food to give them strength and maintain good health was also provided. All the elephants participated in Jumboo Savari successfully.
— Dr. Adarsh, Veterinarian
Responsibilities fulfilled
All Dasara elephants have fulfilled their given responsibilities successfully. This is due to team work and hard work.
— Dr. Ravishankar, Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Circle
This post was published on October 23, 2026 7:30 pm