The Sampadak Express News Desk
Veteran tusker Abhimanyu made his final appearance in the Mysuru Dasara procession on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, leading the cavalcade as the “Nishane Ane” and drawing large crowds along the route. The 60-year-old elephant had previously carried the golden howdah six times in a row.
Abhimanyu retired from active Dasara duties this year after attaining the age of 60. However, at the request of admirers and animal welfare enthusiasts, the Forest Department allowed him a last participation as the “Nishane Ane” in recognition of his more than two decades of service to Mysuru Dasara, The Hindu reported.
Spectators turned out in significant numbers to greet Abhimanyu as he led the procession, marking a ceremonial farewell for the tusker whose presence has been central to recent editions of the festival.
Beyond the annual festivities, Abhimanyu has also contributed to various Forest Department operations over the years, according to the report.
He has been succeeded by Prashanth as the golden howdah elephant, continuing a lineage of celebrated tuskers—among them Drona, Balarama and Arjuna—who have led the Jamboo Savari over the decades.
