Gaja Payana: A majestic prelude to Mysuru Dasara festivities

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Mysuru: Mysuru, renowned for its grand Dasara festivities, is gearing up for the age-old tradition of Gajapayana, a procession of majestic elephants which will enter the city ahead of the Dasara festival scheduled for October.

Fourteen magnificent elephants, divided into two teams, are set to grace the city with their stately presence.

The selection of the jumbos was overseen by a dedicated forest officials’ team and medical professionals and involved visits to various elephant camps, including Mattigodu, Dubare, Anekadu, Bheemanakatte, Rampura, and Balle.

Led by Deputy Conservator of Forests Sourabhkumar, the team evaluated the elephants’ health and readiness to participate in the grand event.

The initial batch of elephants comprises Captain Abhimanyu, Mahendra, Karnataka Bhima, Varalakshmi, Lakshmi, Dhananjaya, and Gopi. The selected elephants will stay at Aranya Bhavan in Ashoka Puram, Mysuru, until September 4.

The parade will commence on September 6, taking a route via Ballal Circle, JLB Road, Chamaraja Double Road, and culminate at Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysore Palace.