# Mysore Dasara 2026: The howdah bearers

> An elephant carries a 750kg golden howdah through Mysuru's streets each Dasara. This year, Prashantha takes over from Abhimanyu after a century-long tradition.
- Title: Mysore Dasara 2026: The howdah bearers · The Hindu | Shortify
- Summary: An elephant carries a 750kg golden howdah through Mysuru's streets each Dasara. This year, Prashantha takes over from Abhimanyu after a century-long…
- Keywords: mysuru dasara, mysore palace, golden howdah, dasara elephants, prashantha, abhimanyu, mysuru tradition, elephant procession, news, politics, Mysore, Dasara
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/infographics/2026-10-19/the-howdah-bearers/index.html
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mysuru dasara, mysore palace, golden howdah, dasara elephants, prashantha, abhimanyu, mysuru tradition, elephant procession, news, politics
## The golden howdah waits
Every Dasara, an elephant carries a golden howdah through Mysuru's streets from the palace to Bannimantap Parade Grounds. Kings stopped riding in it in 1969, but the tradition continues.

> Kings stopped riding in the howdah in 1969, but the elephants never stopped carrying it.
## The weight of history
The golden howdah weighs seven hundred fifty kilograms. It was built for a king to ride in, so it is far heavier than its current passenger, a bronze idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari.
## Training begins in August
In August, elephants walk in from the forests of Nagarahole in what is called the Gajapayana, the elephants' journey. Once in Mysuru, they march five kilometres twice daily to learn the route.
## The load grows heavier
For trial exercises, elephants carry a wooden copy of the howdah. Mahendra's load comes to nearly eight hundred fifty kilograms. The load grows day by day in preparation for the full weight.
## Four elephants remain
On the third round of trial exercise, Mahendra stops and will not go on. Four elephants are left: Dhananjaya, Sugreeva, Ekalavya and Prashantha. One will carry the howdah on Vijayadashami.
## Abhimanyu steps down
Abhimanyu turned sixty this year, and the rules say he must stop.He carried the howdah for the last six years.The city asked for one more walk, so he will walk as the flag elephant.
## Prashantha takes over
Prashantha has been chosen as Abhimanyu's successor and will carry the golden howdah at Dasara twenty twenty-six. When Dasara ends, all the elephants return home to the forest.
## Key takeaway

Prashantha will carry Mysuru's golden howdah at Dasara twenty twenty-six, replacing Abhimanyu who retired after six years of service when he turned sixty.