Gajapayana 2026 Begins: Dasara Elephant Journey Flagged Off as Abhimanyu Receives Ceremonial Farewell

Gajapayana flags off Dasara elephant journey; Abhimanyu accorded ceremonial farewell Nine specially decorated Dasara elephants were accorded a traditional welcome at Veeranahosahalli before embarking on their journey to Mysuru. The ceremony, held in the early hours of Tuesday, brought together officials, devotees and members of the royal household, all gathered to ensure the animals’ safe passage to the city that hosts the world‑renowned Dasara festivities. Traditional drums, conch shells and the resonant calls of temple priests set a solemn tone, while the elephants, adorned with vibrant silk nets and golden ornaments, stood patiently as the crowd offered garlands and prayers for their welfare..

The ritual, known locally as Gajapayana, marks the formal commencement of the elephants’ pilgrimage from their winter quarters in the nearby villages to the Mysuru Palace grounds, where they will participate in the grand procession that culminates in the Jamboo Savari. Organisers emphasized that the event is not merely a spectacle but a continuation of centuries‑old customs that link the community with the animal kingdom, reinforcing the cultural tapestry that defines the region’s identity. Security personnel, veterinarians and mahouts formed a protective cordon to guard the animals against any mishap during the journey..

Among the nine, the most celebrated is Abhimanyu, a 45‑year‑old male elephant renowned for his calm demeanor and striking ivory tusks. Named after the heroic figure from the Mahabharata, Abhimanyu has been a staple of the Dasara parade for over two decades, earning affection from locals and tourists alike. As part of the farewell, a senior priest performed a short puja, sprinkling holy water on the elephant’s forehead while chanting verses from the Ramayana, invoking blessings for a smooth travel and safe return..

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial drumming rhythm known as “Dhoora,” echoing through the surrounding fields. Veterinary teams from the Karnataka State Forest Department accompanied the convoy, equipped with mobile clinics to monitor the health of the pachyderms throughout the 150‑kilometre trek. Ramesh Kumar, chief veterinarian, highlighted the rigorous health checks undertaken before departure, noting that each elephant underwent blood tests, dental examinations and hoof trimming..

“These animals are not merely participants; they are sentient beings whose well‑being is paramount,” he said, adding that contingency plans are in place should any of the elephants develop fever or dehydration en route. The journey to Mysuru is expected to take approximately twelve hours, traversing a route that weaves through agricultural lands, small hamlets and the foothills of the Western Ghats. Local residents along the path have been notified in advance, and many have prepared modest offerings of fruit and jaggery to greet the elephants at designated rest points..

Such gestures, rooted in ancient agrarian traditions, are believed to foster goodwill and ensure the animals receive nourishment without disrupting the procession’s schedule. Murthy, who has tended to Abhimanyu since the latter’s capture as a calf in the early 1990s, expressed a mix of pride and melancholy as he guided his charge toward the departing convoy. “Every Dasara, I feel the weight of history on my shoulders,” he said, his voice trembling slightly..

“Abhimanyu is more than a symbol; he is a companion. The farewell is our way of honoring his service and praying for his safe return next year.” Murthy’s sentiments echo a broader sentiment among the caretakers, who view the elephants as family members rather than mere ceremonial props. The cultural significance of the elephants in Mysuru’s Dasara has deep roots, tracing back to the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the 19th century..

Historical records reveal that the royal court first introduced elephants to the procession to demonstrate power and prosperity, a practice that evolved into a sacred tradition over time. Scholars from the University of Mysore note that the inclusion of these majestic creatures reinforces the festival’s mythological narratives, linking the city’s modern identity to its storied past. “The elephants embody a living bridge between myth, monarchy and the common folk,” observes Dr..

Anita Rao, a historian specializing in South Indian festivals. Environmentalists, while acknowledging the cultural importance, have raised concerns about the stress placed on the animals during the long trek and the crowded festivities that follow. The Wildlife Conservation Society of Karnataka has called for a review of the practice, suggesting that alternative symbolic representations could reduce the physical burden on the elephants..

In response, the Mysuru City Corporation has pledged to enhance rest stations, provide chilled water troughs and limit the duration of the procession to protect the animals’ welfare. The dialogue underscores a growing awareness of animal rights within traditional frameworks. Local businesses anticipate a surge in tourism as the Dasara festival approaches, with hotels, eateries and handicraft vendors preparing for an influx of domestic and international visitors..

The presence of the decorated elephants is a major draw, often featured in promotional material that highlights Mysuru’s blend of regal splendor and cultural vibrancy. The city’s tourism board expects revenue to climb by 15 per cent compared with the previous year, attributing the growth partly to the heightened media coverage of the Gajapayana ceremony and the emotive farewell to Abhimanyu. The government’s role in facilitating the procession extends beyond logistics; it also includes ensuring compliance with wildlife protection statutes..

Under the Karnataka Wildlife Protection Act, any disturbance or cruelty toward the elephants carries stringent penalties. Officials from the Department of Forests have reiterated that any violation will be met with immediate action, reinforcing the message that reverence for the animals must be matched by legal safeguards..