India with its diverse cultures, languages and traditions is often seen to be the home o some of the most unusual customs! If you’re someone who is intrigued by the various shades and the heterogeneity of India, you have got to attend the Elephant Festival on 28th March 2021 in Pink City. Celebrated at the Jaipur Polo Ground, the Elephant Festival is where you need to be, to immerse yourself in the colourful Rajasthani culture!
“Haathi Raja Khoob Badhe!”
Elephants have always had a significance in the mythology and history of India. From being the mode of transport for kings to fighting in wars, elephants have always been a symbol of regality. Every year Jaipur celebrates the Elephant Festival in the month of February/March on the full moon day of ‘Phalgun Purnima’, to honour the fact that the city isn’t just about camels.
This festival is also an effort to promote the fact that elephants play a prominent role in the culture of Rajasthan and need as much attention! So if you have kids, bring them to this gala to watch these tuskers walking the ramp decorated like maharajas; it will surely make their trip memorable.
Then vs Now!
The kings in the older times used to organize elephant races and fights to determine the strongest elephant amid the lot. Nowadays there are processions, ramp walks, polo matches and dances involving elephants, held in different parts of the country, inclusive of Jaipur.
The most interesting activity that happens here is the Tug-o-War, which basically includes an elephant on one side and 19 humans on the other side! You can also buy customary clothes and accessories of Rajasthan here, along with wolfing down mouth-watering grubs belonging to the traditional cuisines.
Knock Knock
Elephant Festival used to be celebrated on the eve of Holi previously but ever since a complaint was filed regarding the usage of toxic colours on these creatures, the participating elephants have been distanced from the festivity, ever since 2012.
This gala starts at around 4 PM and ends by 7 PM and there are no entry fees for it. These elephants decorated in exquisite fabrics and paints make the festival a treat for your eyes and it will definitely be a party for all the shutterbugs out there! What better way to start your Holi celebrations than this?!
