Mahouts Resentful as Dasara Elephants Depart Mysuru

On October 5, 2025, the 14 Dasara elephants that had captivated lakhs of spectators during the recent Dasara celebrations in Mysuru left for their respective forest camps. The majestic elephants, led by the iconic Abhimanyu who carried the 750-kg golden howdah, were given a warm farewell at the Mysore Palace premises.

However, the departure was tinged with disappointment as the mahouts, kavadis, and support staff expressed resentment over not receiving their annual honorarium from the Mysore Palace Board. This payment, usually given before the elephants leave, was reportedly withheld this year. The mahouts were initially reluctant to depart and even considered staging a protest, until the deputy conservator of forests assured them of follow-up action to ensure the payments are made soon.

Despite the successful management of traffic and crowd control throughout the Dasara festivities, the city police faced an unexpected challenge on the day the elephants were bidding farewell. Hundreds of people thronged the Mysore Palace premises to catch a final glimpse of the beloved elephants, especially the crowd favorites Abhimanyu and Bheema. The situation turned tense as the crowd surged dangerously close to the lined-up elephants, who were undergoing a ritual puja before their departure.