Mahendra carries 325 kg as Dasara elephants begin ‘Ambari’ training

Unlike previous years, the lead elephant for the 750-kg golden howdah (ambari) during the Jamboo Savari is yet to be finalised following the retirement of Abhimanyu, who carried it for six consecutive years. | Photo Credit: File photo Even as all nine Dasara elephants undergo training for the Jamboo Savari, the next phase of weight-carrying training began here on Monday.Unlike previous years, the lead elephant for the 750-kg golden howdah (ambari) during the Jamboo Savari is yet to be finalised following the retirement of Abhimanyu, who carried it for six consecutive years.The elephant turned 60 in April this year, and the Forest Department decided to rest the tusker in accordance with existing government guidelines.The Forest Department has identified three to four tuskers as possible successors to Abhimanyu. Mahendra, Dhananjaya, Ekalavya and Prashantha are among those shortlisted for the role of lead elephant.Even when Abhimanyu was the lead elephant, some of the other tuskers underwent weight-carrying training as a backup for the prestigious task.Mahendra carried nearly 325 kg during the ‘line taleem’ held here on Monday.Deputy Conservator of Forests I.B. Prabhu Gowda said Mahendra was the first tusker to undergo weight-carrying training this year and lead the other elephants during the ‘line taleem’. The other shortlisted tuskers will also be trained to carry weights, which will be increased gradually until they can bear around 1,000 kg.“The total weight includes the 750-kg Ambari and nearly 250 kg of cushioning and other materials placed on the elephant’s back for mounting the Ambari,” he said.“We will increase the weight gradually and train the elephants accordingly,” he added.With Abhimanyu’s retirement, the Forest Department faces the challenge of identifying a suitable successor to the veteran tusker. Abhimanyu is set to take part in the upcoming Jamboo Savari as the ‘Nishane Aane’ for the final time before ceremonially bidding farewell to the festivities.The lead elephant for Jamboo Savari 2026 will be selected based on the temperament of the tuskers and other factors considered by the Forest Department. Published - September 07, 2026 07:08 pm IST