Commencement of Gajapayana in Nagarahole Marks the Beginning of Dasara Preparations
By JAGAT [06/Aug/25] The symbolic journey of the Dasara elephants, known as Gajapayana, officially began on August 4, 2025, Monday, at Veeranahosahalli, near Nagarahole National Park. This annual ritual marks the start of the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations and is considered a key event in Karnataka’s cultural calendar. This year's Gajapayana was launched with great enthusiasm, in the presence of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and other dignitaries. The event, held at the Nagarahole Gate in Hunsur taluk, drew a massive crowd comprising villagers, members of nearby Tibetan settlements, and visitors from Mysuru. Many influencers and wildlife enthusiasts also witnessed the grand send-off, which was filled with festive colours, cultural programmes, and deep-rooted traditions.
The Traditional Proceedings of Gajapayana
The first batch of nine elephants, led by the experienced and decorated elephant Abhimanyu, was ceremoniously flagged off. This symbolic march began with floral tributes and traditional rituals, signifying the official launch of preparations for the 2025 Nada Habba - the State’s iconic Dasara festival. Under the guidance of priest Prahlad Rao, the elephants were bathed, smeared with turmeric and kumkum, adorned with flowers and ornaments, and offered sweets. Rituals such as Ganapathi Puja, Chamundeshwari Puja, and Mahamangalarati were performed during the auspicious window between 12:34 p.m. and 12:59 p.m., marking the start of the sacred journey. Post rituals, the elephants were served a feast of sugarcane, bananas, coconuts, jaggery, and other fruits. A customary ritual to ward off the evil eye was also observed, followed by vibrant performances from folk artists and tribal cultural troupes like Veeragase, which added to the celebratory spirit.
What stood out this year was the overwhelming participation of local communities. For the residents of tribal hamlets and nearby villages, the event felt like a mini Dasara in itself. Despite heavy rains the previous night turning the venue slushy, the enthusiasm of the attendees remained high. The stretch from Girijana Ashrama School to the Nagarahole Gate was decorated with colourful buntings and festive boards. The entire area was packed with parked vehicles, and the atmosphere resembled that of a local fair, with stalls selling snacks, sugarcane juice, toys, and more.
Elephants in the Spotlight
While Abhimanyu, the lead elephant, was the ceremonial leader and expected to carry the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari, it was Bheema who captured the crowd's attention during the march. His interaction with the cheering crowd, especially the youth chanting his name, added charm to the ceremony.
The first team of nine elephants includes: • Abhimanyu (59 years), lead elephant • Bheema (25), from Mattigodu camp • Mahendra (42) and Lakshmi (53), from Balle camp • Ekalavya (40), from Dodda Harave camp • Prashanth (53), Dhananjaya (44), and Kanjan (24), from the Dubare camp • Kaveri (45), from Dubare camp
This batch is part of the larger group of 14 elephants that will participate in this year's grand Dasara procession in Mysuru.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The tradition of Gajapayana dates back to the Wadiyar era. In those days, the kings personally invited mahouts and caretakers to participate in the Dasara festivities. A puja was traditionally held at an Anjaneya temple before the elephants set out for Mysuru. Though the practice saw a long pause, it was revived in 1998 at the Nagapura Tribal Rehabilitation Centre, thanks to efforts by then Minister A.H. Vishwanath. In 2018, the ceremony returned to its original venue at Veeranahosahalli, where it continues to be celebrated in its symbolic form.
Originally, the elephants used to walk the entire distance from the forest camps to Mysuru city. However, after the practice was reintroduced, this full march was carried out only in the first year. Today, the elephants walk a short symbolic distance at Veeranahosahalli before being transported to Mysuru by trucks.
