Elephant Festival: Trumpeting Rajasthan’s Might

The very thought of Rajasthan spells majesty and splendour. With its regal palaces, impenetrable forts and renowned royalty, it is one of the grandest states in India. In keeping with its royal Rajput lineage, Rajasthani festivals are equally splendid, and perhaps one of the most majestic of these is the Elephant Festival held in the Pink City, Jaipur. Celebrated a day before Holi, this year the festival will be held on March 26. As the name suggests, the primary attraction of this festival are its flamboyantly decorated elephants and their mahouts. Majestic elephants at the Elephant Festival Giving an interesting spin to the festival of colours, this festival celebrates one of the most important and revered symbols of nobility – the elephant – which found a place of pride in all erstwhile royal palaces, battlefields, wedding processions and even hunting parties. Interestingly, it is only female elephants that participate in the festival. On this day, they are washed, groomed and then richly decorated by their mahouts in splendid colours, with bedecked howdahs on their backs, vibrant floral motifs on their trunks, and glittering gold jewellery for their long ears, tusks and even anklets for their feet.  Likewise, their mahouts are decked in brocade jackets and bright turbans of orange and red. The event, organised by Rajasthan Tourism, usually begins with a grand procession, which sees these majestic beasts walk with much fanfare through the city lanes before walking into the grounds on the beats of a nagada and a bankiya. Drummers and traditional dancers accompany the elephants and are a wonderful sight to behold.There is a whole list of other activities planned to keep the crowds of locals, and domestic and foreign tourists entertained. A sight to behold-Elephants trudging along in all their glory! While there is a prize to be won by the best decorated elephant and mahout, there are several other contests for the elephants to contend with as well. These include elephant races, polo matches that are played by mahouts sitting atop the elephantwith long sticks and a plastic football, as well as a tug of war between the elephants and a group of men and women. Besides the elephants, the glory of the festival is further magnified by the presence of other brightly dressed cavalry comprising horses, camels and palanquins. The day usually ends with a lot of gulalor colour being sprinkled in the air, in anticipation of the rowdy festivities of the next day. The fireworks begin after sundown and light up the night sky with their breathtaking brilliance. A few lucky onlookers may even get a free elephant ride! Held earlier in the Chaugan Stadium, the festival has now moved to a new venue– the Jaipur Polo Ground opposite the Sawai Mansingh Palace. This can also be a great opportunity for tourists to celebrate the festival of Holi, an occasion of special gaiety and enjoyment in Jaipur, with loads of bright gulal and abeer, and a horde of delicious goodies to gorge on including gujiya, mathri, papdi and of course thandai. Over the years, the Elephant Festival has come to symbolise the Holi celebrations in Jaipur and continues to be a big draw for tourists to the city.