Mysuru Dasara 2026: 12 elephants selected for festival procession

Preparations for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival have commenced, with the selection process for the elephant squad now complete. A total of 12 elephants have been chosen from various camps across Karnataka to participate in the traditional procession.

The first group of elephants is scheduled to begin their 'Gajapayana' journey toward Mysuru on August 26. The Forest Department and Mysuru District Administration are making arrangements to welcome the animals with traditional ceremonies.

A significant change for this year's festivities is the retirement of the iconic elephant Abhimanyu from procession duties. Having turned 60 in April, Abhimanyu will be granted rest in accordance with Forest Department regulations regarding the strenuous work required to carry the golden Ambari. Abhimanyu, known as the ‘Guardian of the Forest,’ has carried the Ambari for six consecutive years.

The 12 selected elephants are Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Prashantha, Gopi, Srirama, Sugreeva, Lakshmi, Kaveri, Roopa, Chaitra, and Srikantha. Additionally, two elephants, Bheema and Harsha, have been placed on standby to serve as backups for any emergencies during the celebrations.