Gajapayana begins with rituals and folk arts ahead of Mysuru Dasara

The traditional Gajapayana elephant march began with floral tributes and rituals, marking the official start of Mysuru Dasara festivities. Led by elephant Abhimanyu, the first batch of nine elephants departed with fanfare, cultural performances, and traditional offerings

Mysuru: The traditional Gajapayana (elephant march), a key prelude to Karnataka’s Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara, commenced on Monday with floral tributes to lead elephant Abhimanyu and eight others, marking the official start of the state festival’s preparations.

This year, the state government has planned a grand-scale celebration of Dasara, prompting an early departure of the first batch of nine elephants to Mysuru. These elephants, led by Abhimanyu, are part of the total contingent of 14 that will participate in the famed Jamboo Savari procession.

The ceremonial flag-off was attended by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Minister Venkatesh, forest department officials, mahouts, and kavadis. Notably, Mysuru District In-charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa was absent.

Prior to the march, a traditional puja was conducted under the guidance of priest Prahlad Rao. The elephants were ritually bathed, adorned with turmeric and kumkum, decorated, and offered sweets. A grand Mahamangalarati was performed, followed by Ganapathi Puja and Chamundeshwari Puja. The official launch took place during the auspicious Shubha Tula Lagna from 12:34 PM to 12:59 PM.

Following the rituals, the elephants were fed sugarcane, jaggery, bananas, coconuts, and other fruits. Priests performed a traditional ritual to ward off the evil eye. Cultural performances by folk troupes, including Veeragase and tribal folk art, added vibrancy to the ceremony.

The first team of nine elephants making their way to Mysuru includes: the contingent leader Abhimanyu (59), along with male elephants Bhima (25) from Mattigodu camp, Kanjan (24), Dhananjaya (44), and Prashanth (53) from Dubare camp, Mahendra (42) from Balle camp, and Ekalavya (40) from Dodda Harave camp. The female elephants in this first team are Kaveri (45) from Dubare camp and Lakshmi (53) from Balle (Dodda Harave) camp.