Abhimanyu bids adieu to Dasara duties with ceremonial farewell

Legendary howdah elephant Abhimanyu receiving a ceremonial farewell during Gajapayana at Veeranahosahalli on the outskirts of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram The iconic tusker Abhimanyu, who carried the golden howdah six times in a row during the Jamboo Savari and remained an integral part of Mysuru Dasara for over two decades, on Wednesday bid adieu to his Dasara responsibilities. He was accorded a ceremonial send-off during the Gajapayana at Veeranahosahalli, on the outskirts of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.It was an emotional moment for Abhimanyu’s mahout and kavadi, Vasanth and Karthik, as well as forest staff and officials, who have witnessed the veteran tusker’s remarkable contribution to Dasara over the years. Abhimanyu is regarded as one of the ce