Elephant Festival , Jaipur |
 India is the original homeland of the Asiatic
Elephant. It’s association with the gods and king goes
back to the dawn of history. India the King of Gods, rides on
a white elephant, Airavata. The elephant is also associated
with the Lord Buddha, and Jainism. The colossal size of the
animal evokes awe but its docile nature, its graceful movements
and its doleful eyes have always fascinated man. It’s
majestic presence has been associated with regal splendor and
the elephant has always remained as the most important paraphernalia
of the king.
Jaipur has a long colorful association with elephants. Huge
mountain-like male elephant chosen for their size and beauty
of trunk, tusks tail and ears, were procured for the exclusive
use of the Maharaja. In royal processions the Maharaja sat on
a gold and silver ‘howda’ placed on the back of
the most favorite elephant. Scores of others tastefully decorated
with dazzling ornaments and gold embroidered velvet Jhalars
followed the royal elephant. There were deadly and fierce
elephant-fights in the Chaugan of polo-field, the venue of
the Elephant Festival. Rajasthan Tourism revived the tradition
by including the Elephant Festival in the cultural calendar.
During Holi, the festival of Colors, to herald the advent
of Spring, the Jaipur Chaugan is brought alive with elephants,
dancers, musicians and onlookers from all the globe. The Festival
starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals
lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments
and embroidered velvets.
They 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! Witness a game of elephant polo
a newly-introduced sport. Though they lack the speed and ability
of the polo ponies it is great fun to watch the enormous pachyderms
moving around the field after the ball in great speed.
 To get a feel of their true strength join your hands
with the ten add people in the tug-of-war with the largest elephant.
Then there is the unique ‘Gaj Shringar’ exhibition
displaying everything connected with the elephant-ornaments,
textiles (Jhoo) parapernalic howdahs and carriages, paintings
medicines and food. A program of Dhaph and Gair dance
to demonstrate the spirit of Holi and a dazzling display of
fireworks complete the day leaving unforgettable memories.
Come! Celebrate! You are most cordially welcome to the Elephant
Festival.
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