Mysuru Dasara elephant Abhimanyu is scheduled to enter the Amba Vilas Palace premises on October 5, ahead of his planned appearance as the flag elephant in this year’s Vijayadashami procession, the Forest Department has said.
Abhimanyu will be formally welcomed with traditional prayers when he enters the palace grounds, according to the department. He is expected to take part in the Jamboo Savari procession on October 21, walking along the designated route through Mysuru.
The decision gives the 60-year-old elephant a limited ceremonial role after the Forest Department excluded him from the selection list for the Dasara elephant team in April, following directions from the Supreme Court. His age had triggered discussion on whether he should continue to be used in the annual procession.
The issue led to sustained discussion on social media, while elephant enthusiasts and Abhimanyu’s supporters sought a respectful farewell for the animal during the city’s flagship festival. Former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre also called for Abhimanyu’s achievements to be recognised through an honourable send-off.
Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy subsequently directed the department to allow Abhimanyu to participate as the flag elephant, following the demands from his supporters and elephant lovers. The department had already honoured him during the Gajapayana event held at Veeranahosahalli in the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on August 26, when the Dasara elephant team began its ceremonial journey.
Officials said the earlier farewell was considered insufficient by some elephant enthusiasts, leading to the decision to include Abhimanyu in the Vijayadashami procession. He will be used only as the flag elephant and will be returned to the Mathigodu elephant camp after the procession. The department has ordered that he should not be assigned any further duties, officials said.
Abhimanyu has carried the Ambari six times and became known as the ‘captain’ of the Dasara elephant team. His calm temperament has made him popular among visitors and residents who follow the annual procession. His planned appearance will add a final ceremonial chapter to his association with Mysuru Dasara, while the department’s instructions limit his role to the October 21 event.
The immediate next step is Abhimanyu’s ceremonial entry into the palace premises on October 5. His participation as the flag elephant is scheduled for the Vijayadashami procession on October 21, after which he is to return to the Mathigodu camp.