For the sixth consecutive year, 59-year-old Captain Abhimanyu from Mathigodu Elephant Camp leads the Mysore Dasara elephants 2025 team, carrying the sacred 750-kg golden howdah with Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol. This year’s elite squad of 14 elephants includes fascinating newcomers like 11-year-old Hemavathi making her debut alongside veterans with decades of royal service.
2025 Elephant Team Overview
Total Elephants: 14 (10 males, 4 females)
Howdah Carrier: Abhimanyu (59 years, 6th time)
Training Period: 45 days (August 4 – September 22)
Care Team: 70 personnel (mahouts, kavadis, veterinarians)
Origin Camps: Mathigodu, Dubare, Balle, Doddaharave, Bheemanakatte
New Debuts: Roopa (49), Hemavathi (11)
Combined Experience: 600+ years of elephant wisdom
Captain Abhimanyu – The Golden Howdah Legend
Age: 59 years | Camp: Mathigodu | Height: 9.5 feet
Dasara Service: 6th year as howdah carrier | Specialty: Rescue operations veteran
The undisputed star of Mysore Dasara, Abhimanyu has rescued over 300 wild elephants and 80 tigers across Karnataka. His calm temperament, majestic gait, and intelligence make him perfect for carrying the sacred howdah weighing 750 kg through 5-km procession route.
Training Highlights: Daily 6:00 AM walks on Jumboo Savari route, special diet including black gram, wheat, boiled rice, onions, and vegetables. Post-rehearsal treats of rice, groundnut, coconut, jaggery, and sugarcane maintain his energy and motivation.
Veteran Male Elephants – The Supporting Cast
Bhima (29 years) – Mathigodu Camp
Young powerhouse known for strength and reliability. Second-in-command position during processions. Excellent crowd control abilities and steady temperament around loud noises and large crowds.
Mahendra (42 years) – Balle Camp
Fourth Dasara participation, previously carried howdah at Srirangapatna Dasara. Veteran of elephant and tiger capturing operations statewide. Distinguished by his impressive tusks and dignified bearing during ceremonies.
New Debuts – Fresh Faces for 2025
Roopa (49 years) – Bheemanakatte Camp
Female elephant making her Dasara debut after years of preparation. Known for her gentle nature and excellent response to mahout commands. Her inclusion adds experienced feminine energy to the traditional male-dominated procession.
Hemavathi (11 years) – Dubare Camp
Youngest elephant in 2025 team, representing new generation of Dasara performers. Despite her youth, she has shown remarkable intelligence and adaptability during training sessions. Her debut symbolizes continuity of elephant tradition.
Experienced Female Elephants
Kaveri (45 years) – Dubare Camp
Captured in 2009 from Kodagu forests, Kaveri has participated in multiple Dasara celebrations. Known for her graceful movement and photogenic qualities that make her popular with tourists and photographers.
Lakshmi (54 years) – Balle Camp
Formerly circus elephant until 2015 when Forest Department brought her into government care. Her performance background contributes unique flair to procession choreography. Popular with children due to her playful interactions.
Supporting Male Elephants
Dhananjaya (44 years) – Dubare Camp
Multiple Dasara veteran with excellent procession discipline. Known for maintaining perfect formation and responding promptly to mahout signals during complex maneuvers through crowded streets.
Kanjan (24 years) – Dubare Camp
Younger male with growing reputation for reliability. Quick learner who has adapted well to Dasara protocols. His energy and enthusiasm contribute vitality to elephant team dynamics.
Training and Preparation Process
Gajapayana Arrival: First batch of 9 elephants arrived August 4 from Veeranahosahalli, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Traditional ceremony with forest officials, local dignitaries, and cultural programs marking festival preparation beginning.
Daily Training Schedule: 6:00 AM route walks, 10:00 AM rest and feeding, 4:00 PM formation practice, 6:00 PM public Raja Patha (royal path) demonstrations. Evening walks allow public viewing and elephant acclimatization to crowds.
Elephant Care and Nutrition
Special Dasara Diet: Uddina bele (black gram), green gram, wheat, boiled rice, onions, vegetables morning and evening. Post-rehearsal rewards include rice, groundnut, coconut, jaggery, sugarcane with salt for taste enhancement.
Health Monitoring: Veterinary team conducts daily health checks, monitors stress levels, ensures optimal physical condition. 70-member care team includes experienced mahouts, kavadis, and support staff maintaining 24/7 elephant welfare.
Palace Accommodation Facilities
Elephant Sheds: Temporary accommodation constructed within Mysore Palace premises near Kote Someshwara Temple and Bhuvaneshwari Temple. Separate enclosures for howdah carrier Abhimanyu and female companion elephants.
Support Infrastructure: Food preparation facilities, veterinary clinic, mahout quarters, equipment storage. Construction overseen by contractor Tafazzul Ahmad ensuring readiness before elephant arrival.
Historical Context and Selection Criteria
Selection Process: Over 25 elephants initially shortlisted from various camps. Final 14 chosen based on temperament, physical fitness, previous Dasara experience, and compatibility with team dynamics. Health checks and pregnancy tests ensure optimal participation.
Traditional Khedda Method: Many elephants originally captured through traditional Khedda operations. Assessed for strength, personality, character, walking style, response to commands, and facial charisma before acceptance into royal service.
Legacy of Previous Howdah Carriers
Arjuna (1959-2023): Previous howdah carrier who served 2012-2019. Died in combat December 2023 fighting wild tusker. His legacy continues through current training methods and protocols established during his service years.
Balarama and Drona: Earlier howdah carriers who served combined 30 years. Their contributions established elephant training standards and ceremonial protocols still followed today. Memorial honors their service to Mysore royal tradition.
Public Viewing Opportunities
Daily Raja Patha: Evening elephant walks 6:00-7:00 PM on Jumboo Savari route during September preparation period. Free public viewing attracts thousands daily. Best photography opportunities during these relaxed practice sessions.
Palace Visits: Limited public access to elephant quarters during feeding times. Special viewing arrangements for tourists interested in elephant care and training processes. Advance booking required through palace administration.
Conservation and Welfare Concerns
Modern Welfare Standards: Enhanced nutrition, veterinary care, reduced stress protocols ensure elephant wellbeing. Continuous monitoring by animal welfare organizations and forest department veterinarians maintains ethical treatment standards.
Retirement Planning: Older elephants receive appropriate care transition to comfortable retirement. Abhimanyu’s advancing age means succession planning underway for future howdah carriers from younger elephant generation.
Cultural Significance and Symbolism
Sacred Role: Elephants represent divine vehicles carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari through royal city. Their participation transforms secular procession into sacred pilgrimage connecting earthly and divine realms.
Royal Connection: 415-year tradition links current elephants to centuries of royal service. Each elephant becomes temporary custodian of cultural heritage, carrying forward Wodeyar dynasty traditions into modern era.
Economic Impact and Tourism
Tourist Attraction: Elephant procession draws 500,000+ annual visitors generating significant tourism revenue. International media coverage showcases Karnataka’s cultural heritage globally. Hotel bookings, restaurant business, and local commerce depend heavily on elephant spectacle.
Employment Generation: 70-member elephant care team, plus vendors, guides, photographers, and support services create extensive employment opportunities during festival season.
Technology and Modern Adaptations
GPS Tracking: Real-time elephant location monitoring for safety and logistics coordination. Mobile apps provide elephant viewing schedules and locations for tourist convenience.
Social Media Fame: Individual elephants develop social media followings with dedicated fan pages. Abhimanyu’s Instagram account has thousands of followers tracking his Dasara preparations and daily activities.
Future of Elephant Tradition
Next Generation: Young elephants like Hemavathi represent future of Dasara tradition. Training programs ensure knowledge transfer from veteran elephants to newcomers maintaining traditional standards.
Adaptation Challenges:**FONT-FAMILY Balancing animal welfare concerns with cultural preservation requires continuous innovation in care methods, training techniques, and public engagement strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main elephant carrying the golden howdah in 2025?
Captain Abhimanyu, 59-year-old male from Mathigodu Camp, carries the 750-kg golden howdah for the 6th consecutive year. He’s a veteran of 300+ elephant rescues and 80 tiger operations across Karnataka.
How many elephants participate in Mysore Dasara 2025?
14 elephants total: 10 males and 4 females from various camps including Mathigodu, Dubare, Balle, Doddaharave, and Bheemanakatte. New debuts include Roopa (49) and youngest Hemavathi (11 years old).
When can the public see the Dasara elephants during preparation?
Daily Raja Patha evening walks 6:00-7:00 PM on Jumboo Savari route throughout September. Free public viewing during these practice sessions. Limited palace quarter visits with advance booking.
What special care and training do Dasara elephants receive?
45-day training period with specialized diet, daily route walks, formation practice, and 70-member care team including mahouts, kavadis, and veterinarians. Enhanced nutrition and health monitoring ensure optimal condition.
How are elephants selected for Mysore Dasara participation?
Selection from 25+ candidates based on temperament, physical fitness, previous experience, and team compatibility. Health checks, pregnancy tests, and behavior assessments determine final 14-elephant team composition.
Last Updated: August 2025
Next Update: Elephant arrival ceremony September 2025