The grand farewell marks the end of the jumbo’s participation in Mysuru Dasara

Mysuru: Dasara jumbo Abhimanyu, who carried the Golden Howdah successfully for six times, following the retirement of ‘Arjuna’ in 2021, was given a grand farewell by the District Administration and Forest Department at Veeranahosahalli Gate this morning.

‘Abhimanyu,’ decorated like the other Dasara jumbos, was brought to the Veeranahosahalli, during which special puja rituals were performed by Priest Prahlad Rao. The jumbo was made to walk on the flower petals spread on the road during which the other Dasara jumbos saluted their elder partner.

Abhimanyu with Mahout Vasantha and his son Akash astride the jumbo.

Following the rituals, Abhimanyu took part in the procession till the Nagapura Hadi and later was taken back to its Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Nagarahaole Tiger Reserve marking the end of its Dasara journey.

Traditionally, elephants that retire after carrying the Golden Howdah in the Jumboo Savari procession are honoured as the ‘Nishane’ (lead) elephant in the ensuing Dasara procession, which Balarama and Arjuna were accorded after their retirement.

However, the similar farewell has not been accorded to Abhimanyu for the reasons best known to the Forest Department officials.