Will Abhimanyu get a royal farewell in Dasara procession?

Can celebrated tusker Abhimanyu, who served as a member of the elite Mysuru Dasara jumbo squad for over 25 years and carried the golden howdah six times, get one final opportunity to participate in the iconic Jamboo Savari.

With the Forest Department deciding to retire the 60-year-old tusker from Dasara duties, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, who earlier served as the Forest Minister, has urged Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy to allow Abhimanyu to participate in this year’s Vijayadashami procession and give the veteran jumbo a ceremonial and royal farewell.

In a letter to Mr. Reddy, Mr. Khandre said Abhimanyu had earned a special place in the hearts of people across Karnataka by carrying the 750-kg golden howdah with majesty. Rather than abruptly keeping him out of the Dasara festivities, the tusker could be included as the Nishane Aane (flag elephant) and given a dignified send-off, he suggested.

The Jamboo Savari is the main attraction of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara, and people share a deep emotional bond with the elephants that participate in the annual festivities, particularly the tuskers that carry the golden howdah. The decision to keep Abhimanyu out of this year’s Dasara has disappointed lakhs of his admirers, Mr. Khandre said.

Abhimanyu, from the Mathigodu elephant camp in Nagarahole, has participated in more than 300 elephant-capture operations and over 80 tiger-capture operations. His successful handling of challenging wildlife operations, apart from his six appearances as the golden-howdah bearer, has made him one of the most celebrated elephants in the State.

Mr. Khandre cited the examples of legendary tuskers Arjuna and Balarama, which continued to participate in Dasara even after attaining the age of 60. Arjuna, captured during the Kakanakote Khedda operation in 1968, took part in the Jamboo Savari 22 times and carried the golden howdah on eight occasions.

He urged the Forest Department to extend a similar honour to Abhimanyu by allowing him to participate in this year’s Jamboo Savari and bid farewell to the veteran tusker in a manner befitting his long and distinguished service.