Mysuru Dasara: Gajapayan Begins with Nine Majestic Elephants

Mysuru Dasara's 'Gajapayan' event saw nine elephants, including the famed Abhimanyu, embark on their journey from Nagarhole Tiger Reserve to Mysuru. The event was marked by a ceremonial puja and cultural performances. Dignitaries present highlighted the significance of the elephants in the Dasara festival.

As a prelude to Mysuru Dasara, the grand 10-day festival celebrated in the Hindu calendar month Ashvina, the 'Dasara Gajapayan' was flagged off on Wednesday.

Each year, 'kumki' elephants from Nagarhole Tiger Reserve embark on a journey to Mysuru for training in the Jamboo Savari procession of the Dasara festival.

This year, a batch of nine elephants, including the seasoned Abhimanyu, Dhananjaya, Gopi, Bheema, Rohit, Kanjan, the newcomer Ekalavya, and female elephants Varalakshmi and Lakshmi, set off from Veeranahosahalli in Hunasur taluk.

A ceremonial puja, performed by H C Mahadevappa, Dasara executive chairperson and Minister in charge of Social Welfare and Mysore District, heralded their departure.

"Gajapayan is a major attraction of Mysuru Dasara. This year's event promises to be grand thanks to good rains in the state, making it truly the people's Dasara," Mahadevappa addressed the gathering.

The elephants' departure was also marked by cultural events, including performances by tribal communities from around the Nagarhole forest.

Additionally, a booklet on Dussehra elephants was released during the event. Attendees included Cabinet members, Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre, Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh, and other dignitaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)