Trumpeting Tradition: Why Are Elephants The Heart Of Mysuru's 10-Day Dasara Festival? Explained
If you are a fan of royalty, heritage and all things festive, chances are you would have witnessed the Mysuru Dasara— a 10-day celebration that transforms the iconic city into a hub of tradition, culture, and pageantry. One of India's most iconic festivals, the origins of the Mysuru Dasara can be traced back over 400 years to the reign of the Wadiyar dynasty.
On Sunday evening, Mysuru began preparations to roll out the red carpet for visitors from across the world by according a grand, traditional welcome to the first batch of nine elephants who will play a key role in the Dasara Jamboo Savari procession. As the pachyderms, adorned with garlands, received a ceremonial guard of honour, they acknowledged the crowds that had gathered to see them by raising their trunks—signalling the arrival of the city's most-awaited season.
WHAT IS THE MYSURU DASARA FESTIVAL?
Simply put, the Mysuru Dasara can be described as a ten-day symphony of devotion, culture, and royal grandeur that has captivated hearts for over four centuries. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, celebrating Goddess Chamundeshwari's slaying of the demon Mahishasura (from whom Mysuru gets its name).
The Wadiyars began celebrating Dasara in 1610, and it has since been observed every year with royal splendour. The festivities coincide with Navratri (usually September–October) and last 10 days, culminating in Vijayadashami.
The grand finale of the 10-day mega event sees the golden howdah—a 750 kg gold-plated seat—carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the lead elephant. Traditionally, the procession moves from Mysuru Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site, to Bannimantap Grounds with caparisoned elephants, horses, music bands, and folk troupes.
The palace, lit up with over 100,000 bulbs every evening during the festival, is a sight to behold and draws massive crowds from all over the world.
Music concerts, dance performances, theatre, and folk art displays are held across multiple venues. On Vijayadashami night at Bannimantap, a Torchlight Parade is held, featuring daredevil stunts, acrobatics, and fireworks.
The daily rituals, processions, and the Vijayadashami finale all honour the Goddess, who is also the presiding deity of Mysuru. The royal family's involvement continues till today, maintaining the link between Mysuru's monarchy and its modern identity.
WHY ARE ELEPHANTS A KEY PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS?
Elephants are central to Mysuru Dasara because they are both a symbol of royal power and a living link to the festival's centuries-old traditions.
Under the Wadiyar dynasty (since 1610), elephants were part of the king's army and royal processions. In Dasara, they represented strength, dignity, and state authority, qualities the monarch wished to project.
The lead elephant (Ambari Aane) carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari on Vijayadashami. The act is symbolic—the Goddess's blessing is carried through the city, watched by thousands of devotees.
A LONG JOURNEY
Months before the grand festivities begin, preparations for Mysuru Dasara are set in motion with Gajapayana—the ceremonial departure of the elephants from their forest camps to the heritage city. This vibrant tradition, steeped in history, draws large crowds who gather to watch the majestic animals set out on their journey, marking the official start of the celebrations.
Once in Mysuru, the elephants are carefully trained and conditioned for their starring role in the Jamboo Savari procession. From specialised grooming to gradual acclimatisation to the city's sights and sounds, every detail is managed with care, ensuring the gentle giants are ready to carry forward one of Karnataka's most cherished traditions.
In their forest camps, the Dasara elephants are sustained on a staple called ragi mudde — a hearty mix of ragi, horse gram, and fodder. Once they arrive in Mysuru, however, their menu becomes far more varied. Their daily diet includes black gram (uddina bele), wheat, boiled rice, onions, vegetables, and green gram.
After practice sessions for the Jamboo Savari, they are treated to energy-rich favourites like coconut, jaggery, sugarcane, groundnuts, and rice lightly seasoned with salt. Banyan leaves are also offered as part of their meals. Every item is chosen to be high in protein and calories, ensuring the elephants remain in peak health and stamina for the festivities.
WHO IS THE LEAD ELEPHANT FOR 2025?
Abhimanyu, the 59-year-old veteran of the Mysuru Dasara, will once again take centre stage as the lead elephant in the Jamboo Savari of 2025. This will be the sixth time he carries the golden howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the grand procession. A seasoned tusker from the Mattigod elephant camp, Abhimanyu has an illustrious service record, having helped rescue over 300 wild elephants and 80 tigers from conflict zones across Karnataka.
Apart from Abhimanyu, Bhima (aged 29), Dhananjaya (aged 45), Kanjan (26), Ekalavya, Prashantha (53), Mahendra (42), Kaveri (45), and Laxmi (54).
About the Author
Apoorva Misra
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More
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karnataka mysuru dasara Mysuru Dasara festival
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Mysore, India, India
First Published:
August 11, 2025, 15:12 IST
News explainers Trumpeting Tradition: Why Are Elephants The Heart Of Mysuru's 10-Day Dasara Festival? Explained
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