Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Khandre seeks royal Dasara farewell for elephant Abhimanyu
Captain Abhimanyu is a 60-year-old elephant who has taken part in Mysuru Dasara.
He carried a special Golden Howdah six times.
The Howdah carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Minister Eshwar B. Khandre wants Abhimanyu to join this year’s elephant procession.
He suggested that Abhimanyu participate as the Nishane elephant.
Khandre says many people are upset that Abhimanyu was excluded.
He pointed to Arjuna and Balarama, who were allowed to participate when they were older.
Khandre wants Abhimanyu to receive a respectful royal farewell after taking part.
Minister Eshwar B. Khandre urged Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to let 60-year-old Captain Abhimanyu join this year’s Jamboo Savari.
Abhimanyu carried the 750-kilogram Golden Howdah bearing Goddess Chamundeshwari six times.
The veteran elephant has participated in more than 300 elephant captures and over 80 tiger captures.
Khandre said excluding Abhimanyu has shocked and disappointed his many admirers across Karnataka.
He cited Arjuna and Balarama as precedents for allowing older elephants to participate before receiving a ceremonial farewell.
- Who
- Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre urged Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to allow Captain Abhimanyu to participate.
- What
- Khandre requested that Abhimanyu join the Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari as the Nishane elephant and then receive a dignified farewell.
- When
- This year’s Mysuru Dasara; the articles do not specify the year or procession date.
- Where
- The Jamboo Savari takes place in Mysuru; Abhimanyu is from the Mathigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole.
- Why
- Khandre said Abhimanyu has a special place in people’s hearts because of his service in Dasara and other operations.
Support participation and farewell
Current exclusion from this year’s Dasara
Abhimanyu’s role
Support participation and farewell
Khandre wants Abhimanyu included as the Nishane elephant in this year’s Jamboo Savari.
Current exclusion from this year’s Dasara
The articles report that Abhimanyu has been excluded from this year’s Dasara; no government explanation is provided.
Treatment of veteran elephants
Support participation and farewell
Khandre says precedents involving Arjuna and Balarama support allowing Abhimanyu to participate at an advanced age before a ceremonial farewell.
Current exclusion from this year’s Dasara
The reported decision does not include Abhimanyu in the festivities, although the articles do not state whether officials rejected or addressed Khandre’s comparison.
- Elephant
- Captain Abhimanyu, aged 60
- Requested role
- Nishane elephant in the Jamboo Savari
- Golden Howdah appearances
- Six times
- Golden Howdah weight
- 750 kilograms
- Capture operations
- More than 300 elephant captures and over 80 tiger captures
- Arjuna’s Dasara record
- Participated in the Jamboo Savari 22 times and carried the Golden Howdah eight times
- Abhimanyu’s camp
- Mathigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole
