5 days ago
Mysuru Dasara 2026 Opens With Royal Elephant Welcome
Mysuru Dasara is a big festival held in Karnataka.
In 2026, the festival preparations began with elephants arriving at Mysuru Palace.
They entered through a special palace gate.
The elephants were welcomed with traditional prayers and flowers.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre took part in the ceremony.
Elephants are important because they lead the famous Jamboo Savari procession.
In that procession, a decorated elephant carries a golden howdah through Mysuru.
The festival also includes music, performances and colorful cultural displays.
It takes place during Navaratri and ends on Vijayadashami.
The Mysuru Dasara 2026 elephant squad received a ceremonial welcome at Mysuru Palace on Friday, August 26, 2026.
The elephants entered the palace grounds through the Jayamarthanda Gate, marking the start of festival preparations.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre performed puja and showered the elephants with flowers.
The elephants are central to the Jamboo Savari procession, one of Mysuru Dasara’s major attractions.
The festival features royal traditions, cultural performances and processions, and attracts visitors from India and abroad.
- Who
- The Mysuru Dasara elephant squad and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.
- What
- The elephant squad received a traditional welcome at Mysuru Palace, beginning preparations for Mysuru Dasara 2026.
- Where
- Mysuru Palace in Mysuru, Karnataka; the elephants entered through the Jayamarthanda Gate.
- When
- Friday, August 26, 2026, according to the article.
- Why
- The arrival marked an important step in preparations for the festival and its Jamboo Savari procession.
Key facts
- Festival
- Mysuru Dasara 2026, also known as Nada Habba.
- Welcome venue
- Mysuru Palace.
- Entry point
- Jayamarthanda Gate.
- Ceremony
- Eshwar Khandre performed puja and showered the elephants with flowers.
- Main procession
- Jamboo Savari, featuring a decorated elephant carrying a golden howdah.
- Festival period
- The celebration is held during Navaratri and culminates on Vijayadashami.
- Elephant preparation
- The elephants undergo training and are acclimatised to sounds, crowds and ceremonial surroundings.





