Veterans, young guns make up 2026 Dasara jumbo squad

Dasara elephants marching majestically after the Gajapayana was flagged off at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram Elephants are what make Mysuru Dasara unique. An integral part of the centuries-old festivities, the jumbos share a special bond with the city and its people and remain the key pillars of the annual celebrations.The 2026 Dasara jumbo squad looks impressive, with the first batch of nine elephants bringing together experience and special characteristics needed to calmly and majestically march amid a congregation of lakhs of people during the Dasara finale.The 42-year-old Mahendra, from Balle elephant camp, is known for his calm and composed nature, strong physique and ability to be groomed quickly. He made his Dasara debut in 2022.Dhananjaya, the 45-year-old tusker from Dubare elephant camp, was the Nishane Aane in the Jamboo Savari procession last year. An experienced elephant, he has been part of Dasara for the past eight years and is among the strong contenders to carry the golden howdah this year. Dhananjaya is also an expert in combing operations and in controlling errant wild elephants.Ekalavya, a 41-year-old tusker from Bheemanakatte camp, is known for his ability to remain undisturbed by vehicle noise and firecracker sounds. Captured in Mudigere in 2022, he was subsequently tamed and trained for Dasara. This will be his third Dasara.Prashantha, 54, of Dubare camp, is one of the most experienced elephants in the squad, having participated in Dasara for the past 18 years. Known for his grace and majesty, Prashantha is regarded as a dependable elephant and a major attraction during the festivities. He is also a contender to carry the golden howdah.Gopi, from Dubare camp, was the Naupat Aane in last year’s Dasara procession. The 43-year-old tusker was captured in Karekoppa in 1993 and has been part of Dasara for nearly 15 years. Known for his calm and composed nature and good behaviour, Gopi has a strong bond with humans. He has also performed the roles of Pattada Aane and Nishane Aane.Srirama, a tusker captured in Kodagu, has been associated with Mysuru Dasara for more than five years. He was selected for Dasara last year after a gap and had earlier participated in the Jamboo Savari on four occasions. The 41-year-old tusker is from Dubare camp.Srikanta, from Mathigodu elephant camp, served as the Pattada Aane last year. The 57-year-old veteran tusker was captured in Hassan in 2014 and has been part of Dasara for the past two years.The first batch also includes two female elephants — Lakshmi from Balle camp and Kaveri from Dubare camp. Aged 54 and 46 respectively, both are experienced elephants and add further strength and balance to the 2026 Dasara squad. Published - August 26, 2026 06:57 pm IST