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What is the story about?
When the grand Jamboo Savari rolls through the streets of Mysuru, lakhs of spectators wait for one iconic sight: the elephant carrying the glittering golden howdah, or Ambari. It is the defining image of Mysuru Dasara, photographed, celebrated and remembered year after year. But before the Ambari elephant arrives, look at the elephant walking at the very front.
Carrying a flag bearing the royal insignia, it moves ahead of the entire procession. Around it are thousands of people, beating drums, playing music, cheering spectators and cultural troupes. Amid all the noise and movement, the elephant has to remain composed and lead the procession at a steady pace.
This is the ‘Nishane Aane’ — the ceremonial leader of the Jamboo Savari.
What does Nishane Aane mean?
The meaning of ‘Nishane’ helps explain the role. The term refers to a signal marking the start of an event or procession. The flag carried by the Nishane elephant symbolically signals the beginning of the Jamboo Savari.
Carrying the royal insignia, the elephant moves to the designated point and receives the ceremonial salute. The procession then formally gets underway.
This makes the Nishane elephant more than simply the first elephant in the line. It has a ceremonial role in marking the beginning of one of Karnataka's best-known traditional processions.
Why is the Nishane elephant important?
Being chosen to walk at the head of the Jamboo Savari requires an elephant that can handle the demanding conditions of the procession.
Thousands of spectators line the route, while drums, music and cheering create a loud and constantly changing environment. Cultural troupes perform along the route, while officials and security personnel move around the procession.
The elephant at the front has to maintain a steady pace and remain responsive to its handlers as the rest of the procession follows behind.
That is why size or age alone does not determine which elephant takes on the responsibility. Experience, training, discipline and temperament are important considerations. The elephant must also be accustomed to crowds and loud sounds and be able to navigate the procession route without becoming unsettled.
Over the years, several veteran elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara have taken on the Nishane role. Bhaskara, Balarama and Arjuna are among the tuskers that have carried the royal insignia and led the procession in the past.
Abhimanyu returns as Nishane Aane in 2026
Last year, Dhananjaya took on the responsibility. This year, Abhimanyu will lead the Jamboo Savari as the Nishane elephant.
Abhimanyu is officially retired because of his age but has previously carried the golden howdah during Mysuru Dasara. His return for this year's festivities follows calls from his supporters for him to participate in the celebrations.
Known for his long association with Mysuru Dasara, Abhimanyu will now take on the ceremonial responsibility of leading the Jamboo Savari.
Look beyond the golden howdah
When the Jamboo Savari begins, most spectators will eagerly wait for the golden howdah to come into view. The Ambari remains the spectacular centrepiece of Mysuru Dasara.
But there is another moment worth watching.
Before the golden howdah arrives, a flag-bearing elephant will already have moved through the crowds at the head of the procession. It is not merely walking ahead of the elephants behind it. It carries the Nishane, signalling the ceremonial beginning of the Jamboo Savari.
For spectators watching Mysuru Dasara, the Nishane Aane offers a glimpse of the tradition that comes before the procession's most recognisable spectacle.
Carrying a flag bearing the royal insignia, it moves ahead of the entire procession. Around it are thousands of people, beating drums, playing music, cheering spectators and cultural troupes. Amid all the noise and movement, the elephant has to remain composed and lead the procession at a steady pace.
This is the ‘Nishane Aane’ — the ceremonial leader of the Jamboo Savari.
What does Nishane Aane mean?
The meaning of ‘Nishane’ helps explain the role. The term refers to a signal marking the start of an event or procession. The flag carried by the Nishane elephant symbolically signals the beginning of the Jamboo Savari.
Carrying the royal insignia, the elephant moves to the designated point and receives the ceremonial salute. The procession then formally gets underway.
This makes the Nishane elephant more than simply the first elephant in the line. It has a ceremonial role in marking the beginning of one of Karnataka's best-known traditional processions.
Why is the Nishane elephant important?
Being chosen to walk at the head of the Jamboo Savari requires an elephant that can handle the demanding conditions of the procession.
Thousands of spectators line the route, while drums, music and cheering create a loud and constantly changing environment. Cultural troupes perform along the route, while officials and security personnel move around the procession.
The elephant at the front has to maintain a steady pace and remain responsive to its handlers as the rest of the procession follows behind.
That is why size or age alone does not determine which elephant takes on the responsibility. Experience, training, discipline and temperament are important considerations. The elephant must also be accustomed to crowds and loud sounds and be able to navigate the procession route without becoming unsettled.
Over the years, several veteran elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara have taken on the Nishane role. Bhaskara, Balarama and Arjuna are among the tuskers that have carried the royal insignia and led the procession in the past.
Abhimanyu returns as Nishane Aane in 2026
Last year, Dhananjaya took on the responsibility. This year, Abhimanyu will lead the Jamboo Savari as the Nishane elephant.
Abhimanyu is officially retired because of his age but has previously carried the golden howdah during Mysuru Dasara. His return for this year's festivities follows calls from his supporters for him to participate in the celebrations.
Known for his long association with Mysuru Dasara, Abhimanyu will now take on the ceremonial responsibility of leading the Jamboo Savari.
Look beyond the golden howdah
When the Jamboo Savari begins, most spectators will eagerly wait for the golden howdah to come into view. The Ambari remains the spectacular centrepiece of Mysuru Dasara.
But there is another moment worth watching.
Before the golden howdah arrives, a flag-bearing elephant will already have moved through the crowds at the head of the procession. It is not merely walking ahead of the elephants behind it. It carries the Nishane, signalling the ceremonial beginning of the Jamboo Savari.
For spectators watching Mysuru Dasara, the Nishane Aane offers a glimpse of the tradition that comes before the procession's most recognisable spectacle.
