Gajapayana 2022: Dasara elephants kick start their journey

Gajapayana, the journey of the Dasara elephants from the forest to Mysuru city, provided a grand start to Mysuru Dasara. The march was flagged off by District in-charge Minister S T Somashekar and Forest Minister Umesh Katti.

Gajapayana, the traditional march of elephants from the forest, began at Veeranahosahalli Gate of Nagarahole National Park in Hunsur taluk on August 7. It signalled the beginning of Dasara. Credit: PTI Photo

The march of the elephants started between 9.01 am and 9.35 am. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

The march was launched by District in-charge Minister ST Somashekar and Forest Minister Umesh Katti. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

Despite the odd weather, the Gajapayana was held in a grand manner. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

Reportedly, over 2,000 people had gathered at the Veeranahosahalli Gate to witness the grand celebration. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

Special cultural programmes were organised in which youth and children from the Tibetan Camp at Gurupura near Hunsur performed their traditional dances. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

The elephants arrived in Mysuru in the evening and are camped at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram. They will be here till September 5 when they will be welcomed at the Mysore Palace. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T

The elephants -- Gopalaswamy, Arjuna, Lakshmi, Dhananjaya, Chaitra, Cauvery, Bhima and Mahendra -- were led by tusker Abhimanyu, which will be carrying the Golden Howdah for the third time. Credit: Special Arrangement

Folk artists perform at Gajapayana as caparisoned elephants leave from the Veeranahosalli Gate in Hunsur taluk for Mysuru. Credit: DH Photo/Anup Ragh T