ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
INTRODUCTION
The Elephant Festival is a unique event of the elephants
organized on the day of Holi in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.
As the name suggests, the elephants are the center of attraction
in the elephant Festival. A number of elephants, groomed
in vibrant colored attire of embroidered velvets and glittering
gold ornaments, parade before an entranced audience. The
elephants participate in number of events like races, polo
matches, tug-of-war, elephant fights and festival of Holi.
In olden days, huge male elephants were used exclusively
for the Maharajas, especially in royal processions. During
the festival, Jaipur comes alive with elephants, dancers,
musicians and draws visitors from all over the world.
LEGEND BEHIND THE CELEBRATIONS
Elephants have always been associated with the Rajas as
a symbol of power and status. A beautifully decorated elephant
carrying the raja in the war field, processions or festivals
was a common sight in the earlier era. The Elephant Festival
is an attempt on the part of RTDC to introduce the people
of India and abroad to the royalty of the Rajputs. The Rajputs,
who held control over Rajasthan for a long period of time,
have become synonyms for courage, sacrifice and grandeur.
Infact, the moment you think of Rajasthan, you are reminded
of the way the Rajputs conducted themselves, with great
self respect and royal elegance. The royal aura of the Rajput
never seems to fade away and the Elephant Festival is meant
to represent that royalty in a much grander way.
The history of the brilliant Elephant festival in Jaipur
may be traced to the Buddhist Jataka stories that mention
an ancient Elephant festival known as Hastimangala. Most
of the elephants that take part in the Elephant festival
in Jaipur are females and are decorated with utmost care
and precision by their respective mahouts.
DESCRIPTION
The elephants stride majestically parading their decorated
trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession
of elephants, camels, and horses, lovingly painted and tastefully
attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets,
followed by lively folk dancers at their entertaining best.
The elephants greet the visitors, offer garlands to the
guests and walk past the ramp before a jury of experts and
tourists to select the best amongst them for the ‘Best
decorated Elephant’ Shield. The festival begins with
a procession of elephants, camels and horses to the famous
Chaugan ground in Jaipur. Various elephant sports such as
elephant races, elephant-polo matches and an interesting
elephants vs. men tug of war contest are organized on this
festive occasion that add more color to already colorful
and festive atmosphere. The occasion provides the ideal
opportunity to see elephants at their best. Various folk
dances and music programs are also organized for the overall
entertainment of the people. The event finally reaches to
its conclusion with a brilliant firework display.
Then there is the unique ‘Gaj Shringar’ exhibition
displaying everything connected with the elephant-ornaments,
textiles (Jhoo), howdahs and carriages, paintings, medicines
and food.
TIME TO CELEBRATE
The Festival is celebrated a day after Holi in the month of March -April in the city of Jaipur.
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