Mysuru, Aug. 19 -- Forest Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy releases list of 12 elephants; Gajapayana on Aug. 26

The Forest Department has finally released the much-awaited list of elephants for this year's Dasara festivities, ending weeks of suspense.

In a surprise move, the final squad excludes the celebrated 'Combing Star' Abhimanyu, who has been carrying the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Jumboo Savari and 'Super Star' Bheema, also a crowd-favourite. The final list features 12 elephants.

With barely a week left for the traditional Gajapayana (elephant march) from the Veeranahosahalli Gate of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, the Department released the final roster after nearly a month of deliberations.

The delay was attributed to the lack...