Mysuru Dasara 2026: Rigorous multi-layered elephant selection process begins

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, July 9, 2026: Preparations for this year’s Mysuru Dasara Jamboo Savari have begun with the commencement of the selection process for the Dasara elephants, the main attraction of the famed Vijayadashami procession.

As Dasara is being held later than usual this year, the selection process has also been delayed. Ahead of the Dasara High Power Committee meeting, expected to be held on Friday, Forest Department officials have already initiated the process of identifying the elephants for the festival.

Following the incident at the Dubare Elephant Camp earlier this year, officials are exercising extra caution and have adopted a rigorous, multi-layered selection process. The process includes veterinary screening, behavioural and temperament assessments, age and fitness evaluations, musth monitoring, mahout compatibility checks and other health examinations.

A team of veterinarians, including Dr Adarsh, has visited Matthigodu in the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Dubare in the Madikeri Forest Division and the Ramapura camp in Bandipur Tiger Reserve to examine the health of more than 20 elephants, said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru Wildlife Division, I.B. Prabhu Gowda, who is in charge of the Dasara elephants.

The veterinary team has collected blood samples to assess haemoglobin levels, platelet count, red blood cells and other parameters, besides faecal samples to check parasite load. The samples have been sent to various laboratories for testing. Advanced tests are also being conducted to assess the elephants’ liver and kidney functions.

To determine whether female elephants are pregnant, officials are conducting blood, faecal and urine tests along with ultrasound scans. Kumki elephant Lakshmi had given birth to a male calf, Dattatreya, during her stay in Mysuru for Dasara training in 2022.

ECG Tests Introduced for the First Time

For the first time, officials are conducting ECG tests on the elephants to assess their cardiac health. Practice sessions involving cannon shots fired from brass barrels from a distance of around 50 metres can cause cardiac issues due to changes in heart rate, prompting the department to introduce the additional screening.

Prabhu Gowda, who is also the member-secretary of the Dasara Elephant Selection Committee, said the reports of the blood and faecal samples are awaited. Once the reports are received, the shortlisted names will be submitted to the committee headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF-Project Elephant). The final list of elephants for this year’s Dasara will be finalised at the committee meeting.

Only 12 Elephants Likely This Year

While 14 elephants participated in the festival last year, officials are likely to bring only 12 elephants, including four female elephants, this year. The elephants are also expected to stay in Mysuru for only 55 days, compared to 65 days last year, owing to high maintenance costs and safety concerns.

Maintaining the elephants costs at least ₹1.5 lakh per day, apart from expenses related to the camp, caretakers and other arrangements.

Following the clash between elephants Kanjan and Marthanda at the Dubare Elephant Camp in May, which claimed the lives of a tourist and elephant Marthanda, Kanjan has been dropped from this year’s Dasara roster as per government orders.