Karnataka Forest Department allows 60-year-old Dasara elephant Abhimanyu to participate in Jamboo Savari with restrictions on strenuous work
The Karnataka Forest Department has granted special permission for 60-year-old elephant Abhimanyu to participate in the Mysuru Dasara 2026 Jamboo Savari, subject to health monitoring and restrictions on strenuous work.
Mysuru: The Karnataka Forest Department has issued a special order permitting Abhimanyu, the veteran Dasara elephant, to participate in the 2026 Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari, despite government guidelines providing for the retirement of elephants after completing 60 years of age.
According to the order dated September 4, 2026, Abhimanyu will complete 60 years of age in 2026. The department noted that the applicable government guidelines state that an elephant completing 60 years should be allowed to retire from service. For elephants above 60 years, only light work may be permitted based on a suitable veterinary fitness certificate.
The Forest Department said Abhimanyu has played a significant role in the Mysuru Dasara festivities and has participated in the Jamboo Savari for several years. The department also referred to his contribution to the Dasara celebrations and his importance to the event.
The order records that reports from the concerned veterinary officials and elephant caretakers indicated that Abhimanyu’s health was satisfactory. Based on these reports and the recommendation of the concerned authorities, the department issued special permission for his participation in the 2026 Dasara Jamboo Savari.
The special permission is issued in view of the provisions contained in the government order governing the use of elephants for Dasara and other public events. The department specifically stated that Abhimanyu may participate in the Jamboo Savari held as part of Mysuru Dasara 2026.
The Forest Department has imposed conditions on Abhimanyu’s participation. The order states that he must not be assigned strenuous work or work that could subject him to prolonged physical exertion.
The department has also directed that the elephant should be brought to the Mysuru Palace for the Jamboo Savari only in accordance with the prescribed arrangements. After completion of the Jamboo Savari, Abhimanyu is to be returned to the Mathigodu camp and should not subsequently be assigned strenuous work.
The order further directs the concerned officials to ensure proper arrangements for Abhimanyu’s health and welfare. Veterinary officials and elephant caretakers have been asked to monitor his health and take necessary measures before, during and after the Dasara celebrations.
The department has instructed the Deputy Conservators of Forests, Wildlife Division officials and other concerned officers to ensure that the necessary veterinary facilities are available for Abhimanyu.
Officials have also been directed to maintain his health-related requirements properly during the Dasara festivities and to take necessary action to ensure continued veterinary care after the event.
The order was issued by the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Karnataka, Bengaluru, on September 4, 2026. The document carries the Karnataka Forest Department file reference KFD/WL/C1(MIS)/2/2026-WL-KARNATAKA FOREST DEPARTMENT I/1182568/2026.
The order was circulated to the concerned forest officials, including the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Wildlife Division and officials connected with the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Hunsur, for necessary action.
