Mysore Dasara 2026: The story behind the howdah bearers

Every year during the Dasara festival, a grand procession takes place from the Mysuru Palace to the Bannimantap Parade Grounds. The main attraction of this procession is a beautifully decorated elephant carrying a golden Howdah.

The Howdah began as a structure originally intended for the Mysore kings to ride in. However, in 1969, the Maharaja of Mysuru stopped riding in them. Even so, elephants never stopped wearing them. This year, the old elephant was replaced by a new one, and the tradition continues.

But first, the elephants make their way out of the forests before the parade. Here’s how it gets started.

However, she did not always have a king in her. Over the years, the population of Howdah has changed.

A fitting goodbye

The Dasara elephants of Mysore are no less decorated after the procession than during it. Their mahouts deeply mourn their passing, and the state bestows high honors upon them.