Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Abhimanyu to Lead Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari as Nishane Aane
The Jamboo Savari is a famous procession held during Mysuru Dasara.
Before the elephant carrying the golden howdah appears, another elephant leads the way.
This leader is called the Nishane Aane.
It carries a flag with the royal insignia.
The flag signals that the procession is beginning.
The elephant must stay calm while people cheer and drums play loudly.
Abhimanyu has experience in Mysuru Dasara and will lead the procession in 2026.
Although he is officially retired because of his age, he will return for this ceremonial duty.
Nishane Aane is the flag-bearing elephant that leads the Jamboo Savari.
Its flag carries the royal insignia and ceremonially signals the procession’s beginning.
The lead elephant must remain calm around crowds, drums, music and cultural performances.
Experience, training, discipline and temperament help determine which elephant receives the role.
Abhimanyu, officially retired because of his age, will lead the 2026 Jamboo Savari.
- Who
- Abhimanyu will serve as the Nishane Aane, or ceremonial lead elephant, in the 2026 Jamboo Savari.
- What
- The Nishane Aane carries the royal insignia and leads the Jamboo Savari before the elephant carrying the golden howdah.
- When
- During the 2026 Mysuru Dasara festivities.
- Where
- Along the streets of Mysuru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The flag-bearing elephant ceremonially signals the beginning of the Jamboo Savari and must lead the procession calmly and steadily.
- Ceremonial role
- Nishane Aane is the elephant that leads the Jamboo Savari.
- Symbol
- It carries a flag bearing the royal insignia.
- Meaning of Nishane
- The term refers to a signal marking the start of an event or procession.
- 2026 lead elephant
- Abhimanyu will lead the Jamboo Savari as the Nishane elephant.
- Abhimanyu’s status
- He is officially retired because of his age.
- Selection factors
- Experience, training, discipline, temperament and familiarity with crowds and loud sounds are important.
- Previous Nishane elephants
- Bhaskara, Balarama, Arjuna and Dhananjaya have held the role in past years.