IndiaThe lead elephant for the 750-kg golden howdah (ambari) during the annual Jamboo Savari procession in Mysuru remains unfixed after the retirement of Abhimanyu, who had carried it for six consecutive years. Abhimanyu, now aged 60, will participate in the upcoming Jamboo Savari as 'Nishane Aane' before retiring. The Forest Department has shortlisted several tuskers, including Mahendra, Dhananjaya, Ekalavya, and Prashantha, as potential successors. Mahendra recently carried 325 kg during initial training sessions, marking the start of a gradual weight-increase program to prepare them for carrying the full load of approximately 1,000 kg. The selection for the 2026 Jamboo Savari will depend on the temperament and readiness of these elephants.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural traditions and animal training for a religious festival, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about the process of selecting a new lead elephant without any apparent ideological framing or bias.
