The Elephant Festival is an inimitable event held annually in March in Jaipur. Groomed flawlessly, rows of elephants do a catwalk before an enthralled audience liked best fashion models to make this festival an amazing one. The elephants move with poise in pageant, run races, play the royal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is festival time with elephants, typically celebrated one day before the Holi- Indian festival of colours.

The Rajput kings had extraordinary implication for elephants not only during war but also during the royal festivities-a must at royal pageant. Nishan-ka-hathi, the flag bearer, led the procession. The king always mounted a caparisoned elephant. Special hunting programs and elephant fights were organized to entertain the royal guests. Jaipur was a favourite spot with the important personalities of the British Raj and the Maharajas always arranged for their guests of honour elephant rides up to the Amber palace. Even today, the mahouts take tourists up to the Amber Palace on elephant back like shuttle taxis.

Staged at Jaipur Chaugan Stadium elephants put up a variety programme and the arena is brought alive with musicians and dancers. The crowd, which includes sizable presences of Foreign and Indian tourist, electrify the atmosphere. The festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets.

A ceremonial procession is recreated with caparisoned elephants, lancers on horses, chariots, camels, cannons, and palanquins. Elephant is the centre of attraction in the many races and beauty pageants. Most of the participants are female elephants. The mahouts (elephant keepers) take great care to decorate the elephants painting their trunks, foreheads, and feet with floral motifs and adorning them from tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. Female elephants wear anklets with and make music as they walk. The game of polo forms the highlight of the festival. Dressed in saffron and red turbans, the teams try to score goals with long sticks and a plastic football. Finally, the tourists are invited to mount the elephants and play Holi. Participants dance with great vigour and the excitement rising to a crescendo.

How to reach
Jaipur is conveniently located and is 260 Kms from Delhi. It is a major hub and is connected by rail, road and air, through all parts of country.

Where to Stay

Rajputana Palace Sheraton, Raj Villas, Rambagh Palace, Clarks Amer, Mansingh, Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur Palace, Maurya Palace, Mansingh Towers, Holiday Inn, Hawa Mahal, Maharani Palace, Trident Hilton, Narain Niwas Palace, Raj Mahal Palace, Samode Haveli, Alsisar Haveli, The Ramgarh Lodge, Bissau Palace