Mahendra carries 325 kg as the Dasara elephants begin training 'Ambari'.

Unlike previous years, the main elephant for the 750 kg golden howdah (ambari) during the Jamboo Savari has yet to be completed after the departure of Abhimanyu, who carried it for six consecutive years. | Photo credit: File photo

While all nine Dasara elephants are undergoing training at Jamboo Savari, another phase of weight training began here on Monday.

The elephant turned 60 in April this year and the forest department decided to lay the beetle to rest as per existing government guidelines.

The forest department has identified three to four tuskers as possible successors to Abhimanyu. Mahendra, Dhananjaya, Ekalavya and Prashantha are among those shortlisted for the role of the lead elephant.

Even as Abhimanyu was the lead elephant, some of the other tuskers were trained to carry weights as backup for this prestigious task.

Mahendra carried nearly 325 kg during the ‘line taleem’ held here on Monday.

IB Deputy Conservator of Forests Prabhu Gowda said Mahendra was the first tusker to undergo weight-carrying training this year and lead other elephants during ‘line taleem’. Other shortlisted tuskers will also be trained to carry weights that will gradually increase until they can carry around 1,000kg.

“The total weight includes 750 kg of Ambari and nearly 250 kg of padding and other materials placed on the back of the elephant to fix the Ambari,” he said.

“We will gradually increase the weight and train the elephants accordingly,” he added.

With the retirement of Abhimanyu, the forest department is faced with the challenge of identifying a suitable successor to the veteran glider. Abhimanyu is all set to attend the upcoming Jamboo Savari as ‘Nishane Aane’ for the last time before bidding farewell to the festivities.

The lead elephant for Jamboo Savari 2026 will be selected based on the temperament of the tuskers and other factors considered by the forest department.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 19:08 IST