Mysuru Dasara 2025: Gajapayana Begins Near Nagarahole Forest

Quick summary

• Event: Gajapayana, the symbolic march of Dasara elephants to Mysuru for the annual Dasara celebrations, was flagged off at Veeranahosahalli on the fringes of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on August 4, 2025.
• Ceremonial Worship: A special worship ceremony called ‘Gaja Puje’ was conducted for the elephants from 12:34 p.m. to 12:59 p.m.
• Importance: This marks the beginning of preparations for Mysuru Dasara-an annual cultural event highlighting Karnataka’s traditions while promoting tourism.
• Historical Background: Gajapayana, originally a stately affair during royal times when elephants traversed the full distance from forest camps to Mysuru city, has now evolved into a symbolic tradition reintroduced about two decades ago.
• Logistics Update: In recent years, after ceremonial prayers and flagging-off rituals at Veeranahosahalli, elephants walk a short stretch before being transported by trucks to Mysuru for practical reasons.

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