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Over the decades, Abhimanyu has been part of operations to capture more than 150 wild elephants and over 50 tigers that strayed into human settlements.
Carrying Tradition on His Back: Abhimanyu, Captain of Dasara Elephants
Every year, the grand spectacle of Mysuru Dasara draws thousands of spectators, their eyes fixed on the majestic Jamboo Savari procession. At its center is the golden howdah, weighing over 750 kilograms, carried with grace and dignity by a single elephant.
That honor belongs to Abhimanyu, the undisputed captain of the Dasara elephants. But Abhimanyu is more than a festival icon; he is a legend in Karnataka’s forests, known for his unmatched skills in capturing rogue animals.
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A Proven Warrior in the Wild
Abhimanyu’s résumé reads like something out of folklore. Over the decades, he has been part of operations to capture more than 150 wild elephants and over 50 tigers that strayed into human settlements.
These are high-risk missions requiring immense courage, discipline, and trust between elephant and mahout. In this field, Abhimanyu has no rival. His ability to remain calm under pressure and respond to his handlers’ commands makes him a rare and invaluable asset to forest officers.
From the Forest to the Festival
Abhimanyu’s own journey began in the Hebbala forest of Kodagu district, where he was captured in 1970. Under the guidance of mahout Vasantha and kavadiga Raju, he was trained, tamed, and gradually shaped into one of Karnataka’s most disciplined elephants.
Unlike many festival animals, he did not immediately earn the right to carry the howdah. His early years at Dasara were spent assisting with other important tasks, including pulling the Karnataka Orchestra cart in 2015.
It was only in 2012 that Abhimanyu was first selected for the Dasara celebrations. Step by step, he proved his reliability, composure, and stamina. By 2020, he had been entrusted with the highest honor of all — carrying the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari. Since then, he has performed the task flawlessly every year.
The Golden Burden
The responsibility of carrying the golden howdah is not just ceremonial; it is symbolic. The howdah, weighing nearly three-quarters of a ton, represents tradition, continuity, and devotion. Not every elephant can manage it.
The selection requires extraordinary physical strength, steady temperament, and the ability to walk through noisy, crowded streets without agitation. Abhimanyu has carried the howdah with unwavering grace for four years in a row, and this year will mark his fifth appearance as the star of the procession.
An Icon Beyond the Parade
For the people of Karnataka, Abhimanyu is more than just an animal in a festival. He is part of living heritage, a bridge between the forests of Kodagu and the regal streets of Mysuru. His dual identity as a forest operations expert and a festival star makes him unique in India’s elephant history. Children, elders, and tourists alike cheer when they hear his name, and for mahouts and forest staff, he is a dependable colleague who has stood by them in countless dangerous missions.
A Legacy of Strength and Discipline
As Mysuru prepares once again for its famous Dasara celebrations, Abhimanyu stands ready, calm and dignified, as always. His story is a reminder of the deep bond between humans and elephants, forged through centuries of culture, faith, and shared work.
From capturing rogue tigers in the forest to carrying a golden howdah in front of lakhs of people, Abhimanyu has proved time and again that he is not just the captain of the Dasara elephants, he is the embodiment of courage and tradition.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 05, 2025, 15:54 IST
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