The 2026 Mysuru Dasara, scheduled from October 11 to 21, will feature 57‑year‑old Srikantha, weighing 5,790 kg, as the Pattada Aane for the second year in a row, while 41‑year‑old Ekalavya will serve as the Nishane Aane. The grand Jamboo Savari procession is set for October 21, and the state plans to invite the chief ministers of all South Indian states along with new attractions such as an air show, drone show, vintage car rally, Chitra Santhe and a flea market.
Rajamata Pramoda Devi Wodeyar of the Mysuru royal family confirmed the selections, naming Srikantha the lead elephant for private palace rituals and Ekalavya the flag‑bearing elephant, marking Srikantha’s consecutive honour after his successful performance in last year’s festivities.
Official weighing at a private Mysuru weighbridge recorded Srikantha at 5,790 kg, making him the heaviest in the Dasara lineup. Ekalavya follows at 5,600 kg, Dhananjaya at 5,530 kg and Mahendra at 5,490 kg. Among the females, Lakshmi (54) weighs 3,990 kg and Kaveri (46) 3,075 kg.
The Dasara Procession Sub‑Committee, led by Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, has opened applications for folk‑art troupes across Karnataka to join the Jamboo Savari. Submissions, including a team photo, member details, address and leader’s phone number, must reach the Coordinator, Dasara Procession and Tableaux Sub‑Committee, Assistant Director, Kannada and Culture Department, Karnataka Kalamandira, Vinoba Road, Mysuru 570005 by September 16.