# Mysuru Dasara elephant procession begins

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mysuru-dasara-festival-elephant-preparations
> Updated: 2026-08-25T11:23:09.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The ‘Gajapayana’ procession for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival has officially commenced. The first batch of nine elephants—Dhananjaya, Prashanth, Gopi, Srirama, Kaveri, Mahendra, Lakshmi, Ekalavya, and Srikanta—was flagged off from the Veeranahosahalli Gate near the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve by Urban Development Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Following the march, the elephants arrived at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram to receive baths and rest. The squad is scheduled to receive a grand traditional welcome at the Mysuru Palace before the main festivities begin. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre also participated in welcoming the animals with traditional rituals.

The transition marks the retirement of Abhimanyu, a 60-year-old veteran known as the ‘Guardian of the Forest,’ who served the festivities for 25 years. Additionally, officials have confirmed that the Kambala buffalo race will be included as part of this year’s celebrations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Mysuru Dasara 2026 begins with arrival of elephant squad

The Mysuru Dasara 2026 festivities have begun with the Gajapayana procession, bringing a nine-elephant squad from Nagarahole to Mysuru for the traditional cultural celebrations.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-preparations-begin-with-traditional-elephant-procession

### 2026-08-18: Mysuru Dasara 2026: 12 elephants selected for festival procession

Twelve elephants have been selected for the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival. Iconic elephant Abhimanyu will retire from procession duties after turning 60, with the first group starting their journey on August 26.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mysuru-dasara-2026-12-elephants-selected-for-festival-procession

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Cite as: Mysuru Dasara elephant procession begins. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mysuru-dasara-festival-elephant-preparations