Mysore Dasara is one of the grandest celebrations in India. Every year, thousands of people from across Karnataka and other states come to Mysore to witness this royal festival. Among all the rituals and events, the weight test of the elephants, also called “Gajapade Parikshe”, is a highlight. These elephants play a very important role in the famous Jumbo Savari during the festival.
This year, the weight test once again created excitement, with the mighty elephant Bhima surpassing everyone to become the heaviest.
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🏰 Mysore Dasara – A Festival of Tradition and Royalty
Dasara in Mysore is not just a festival, it is a heritage event. For centuries, the Mysore royal family has celebrated Dasara with devotion, grandeur, and cultural programs. The palace lights up with lakhs of bulbs, processions are carried out in royal style, and people enjoy music, dance, and folk traditions.
But one special attraction always remains the elephants, who are the heart of the celebrations. These elephants carry the sacred idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the Jumbo Savari, which takes place on Vijayadashami. Because of this, they undergo special training, diet management, and health checks months before the event.
🐘 Gajapade Weight Test – Why It Matters
Before participating in the main procession, the elephants are brought for a weight test. This helps veterinarians and forest officials keep track of their health and strength. The weight also indicates how fit they are to take part in the grand event.
The results always create curiosity among locals and visitors. People want to know which elephant is the heaviest, who is stronger, and who might lead the procession.
📊 This Year’s Weight Results
Here are the official weights of the elephants for Mysore Dasara 2025:
- Bhima – 5,465 kg 🏆
- Abhimanyu – 5,360 kg
- Dhananjaya – 5,310 kg
- Ekalavya – 5,305 kg
- Mahendra – 5,120 kg
- Prasantha – 5,110 kg
- Kanjan – 4,880 kg
- Lakshmi – 3,730 kg
- Kaveri – 3,010 kg
The spotlight this time was on Bhima, who became the heaviest elephant of the team, crossing even Abhimanyu by over 100 kilos.
🌟 Bhima Surpasses Abhimanyu
For many years, Abhimanyu has been known as the star elephant of Mysore Dasara. He carried the golden howdah (Ambari) with the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the procession. His discipline, majestic walk, and calm nature made him the favorite of both officials and fans.
However, this year Bhima surprised everyone by overtaking Abhimanyu in weight. At 5,465 kg, he became the strongest among the Gajapade. This has sparked discussions among people – will Bhima take the Ambari role in the future? Or will Abhimanyu continue as the lead?
Officials have not made any changes for now, but Bhima’s rise shows the strong future of Mysore Dasara elephants.
💪 Training and Care of the Elephants
The elephants chosen for Dasara undergo months of training before the festival. They are brought to Mysore from different forest camps. Once in Mysore, they are given a special diet that includes:
- Rice, ragi, jaggery
- Sugarcane, fruits, vegetables
- Coconut and protein-rich food
Along with diet, they are given regular walks, bathing, and health check-ups. Their mahouts take special care, treating them not just as animals but as family. This bond of love and trust is what makes the elephants disciplined during the grand procession.
🎉 Role of Elephants in Jumbo Savari
On Vijayadashami day, the elephants are decorated with golden ornaments, colorful clothing, and flowers. The most important role is played by the Ambari elephant, which carries the golden howdah with the idol of Chamundeshwari. Other elephants accompany in the procession, adding grandeur and pride.
For the people of Karnataka, watching the elephants walk majestically through Mysore’s streets is an emotional moment. It connects them with tradition, devotion, and culture.
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👑 Public Excitement Around Gajapade
When the weight test results were announced, crowds cheered for their favorite elephants. Many fans of Abhimanyu were surprised but also proud to see Bhima taking the top spot. Social media platforms flooded with pictures, videos, and discussions about the elephants.
This shows how deeply the people of Karnataka respect and love the Gajapade. For them, these elephants are not just animals, but symbols of strength, devotion, and pride.
🌍 A Blend of Tradition and Modern Attention
In today’s digital world, even the elephant weight test has become a trending news item. YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter were filled with clips of Bhima’s weight announcement. News websites covered the story with excitement.
This shows that Mysore Dasara is not just a local event anymore, it has become a global cultural festival. Tourists from abroad also attend, making it an international attraction.
What is the elephant weight test during Mysuru Dasara?
The elephant weight test is an important part of Mysuru Dasara preparations. It is done to check the health, strength, and fitness of the elephants, especially the Ambari elephant that carries the golden howdah during the Jumbo Savari procession.
Why is the weight test important for Dasara elephants?
The weight test helps authorities understand whether an elephant is strong enough to participate in the grand procession. The Ambari elephant carries nearly 750 kg, so its health and stamina must be perfect.
Where is the elephant weight test conducted?
The test is held at the Mysuru Palace premises, where a special weighing platform is used. Veterinarians and forest officials supervise the process.
✅ Conclusion
The Mysore Dasara festival remains one of the grandest cultural celebrations in India. The weight test of the elephants is a unique tradition that adds charm to the event.
This year, Bhima created history by surpassing Abhimanyu to become the heaviest elephant at 5,465 kg. Along with him, the entire Gajapade team is ready to make the Jumbo Savari a grand success.
For the people of Karnataka, these elephants are symbols of heritage, faith, and pride. As the Dasara festival continues, the bond between humans and elephants once again shines as the heart of Mysore’s royal celebrations.
