Mysore, Aug 26: The Gajapayana procession has made a grand entry to the world-famous Mysore Dasara Mahotsava. The district administration has welcomed the first group of 9 elephants to the city by performing traditional puja at Veerana Hosahalli in the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Meanwhile, Captain Abhimanyu, who has successfully carried the golden ambari for 6 consecutive years, has received a heartfelt tribute.
The Dasara celebrations in Mysore have begun from today. Gajapayana has received a grand welcome at the Veerana Hosahalli gate in Hunsur taluk. The forest roads were decorated and the Gajapayana was inaugurated at the auspicious time of Tula Lagna. Minister in-charge Yathindra Siddaramaiah formally flagged off the procession. A special puja was performed by offering offerings of fruits such as tambul, sugarcane, jaggery, fruits and nuts to the procession. In the first phase of the procession, elephants Dhananjaya, Mahendra, Ekalavya, Prashanth, Gopi, Srirama, Srikanth, Lakshmi and Kaveri stepped towards the palace city.
The first group of 9 elephants arrived in Mysore in the evening and will make their debut at 8:45 am on August 28 from Aranya Bhavan to the Mysore Palace premises. The remaining elephants will join in the second phase in the coming days.
Captain Abhimanyu bids a royal farewell
Combing specialist Abhimanyu, who has been participating in Dasara for more than 20 years and has carried the golden Ambari 6 times without any problems, has turned 60.
As per government rules, Abhimanyu has been given a break from carrying the Ambari this time. For this, Abhimanyu was given a heartfelt tribute during Gajapayana.
Abhimanyu was magnificently decorated with conch shells, chakras, gandabherundas and flower vines. The forest staff and mahutus showered flowers along the way. The moment when other elephants accompanying him stood in a row and paid their respects was a special moment.
This time, Dasara Kambala Fix
On the other hand, confusion has arisen regarding the organization of the coastal folk sport Kambala during the Mysore Dasara Mahotsav. As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, this time the Dasara Kambala will be organized by the government at the designated place. Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah clarified this issue at Veerana Hosahalli.
Overall, amidst the emotional moments of Captain Abhimanyu’s retirement, the Palace City is gearing up for the selection of the new elephant, and Dasara is in full swing in the Palace City.