Mysuru Dasara: Abhimanyu, 57-Year-Old Tusker To Lead 2023 Jumbo Squad With Four New Elephant

Mysuru, often referred to as the heritage city of Karnataka, is renowned for its extravagant Dasara festivities. At the heart of these celebrations are the majestic elephants.

This year, the 2023 Dasara jumbo squad will be led by the venerable Abhimanyu, a 57-year-old tusker from Mattigodu camp, known for shouldering the grand 750-kg golden howdah. The squad's training for the highly anticipated Dasara finale, Jamboo Savari, have been completed under the careful guidance of forest officials and dedicated staff.

This year's 'Gajapayana', , a procession of 14 elephants that makes its regal journey from Veeranahosahalli, situated on the outskirts of the Nagarahole tiger reserve, to the Mysuru Palace, saw the addition of Kanjan, a 24-year-old male tusker from the Dubare camp. Kanjan, weighing between 3,700 and 3,900 kilos, brings fresh vigor to the jumbo squad.

Abhimanyu, with an imposing weight ranging from 4,700 to 5,000 kilos, will lead this distinguished herd, supported by kumki elephants Vijaya and Varalakshmi. Vijaya, a 63-year-old female jumbo from Dubare camp, and Varalakshmi, a 67-year-old female from Bheemakatte camp, will be his steadfast companions.

This year, additional care was also taken to ensure the well-being of the female elephants. A pregnancy test was conducted for all females shortlisted for the festivities, following an incident last year when a squad member gave birth ahead of Dasara. She was provided rest, and a suitable replacement was arranged.

Arjuna, a 65-year-old male tusker from Balle camp, previously carried the howdah, but Abhimanyu, his 57-year-old successor, was chosen due to his age and strength. Abhimanyu is the heaviest among the Dasara elephants, weighing between 5,800 kg to 6,000 kg and towering at 2.88 meters.

Joining the ensemble are Dhananjaya (43 years), Mahendra (40 years), Bheema (23 years), Gopi, Prashanth, Sugreeva, Rohit, Lakshmi, and Hiranya, forming a remarkable assembly of majestic tuskers.

It must be noted that this year sees the debut of four elephants in Dasara celebrations: Lakshmi (52 years) from Doddaharave, Hiranya (46 years) from Ramapura, Rohit (21 years) from Ramapura, and the spirited Kanjan (24 years) from the Dubare camp.