Elephant Festival, Jaipur [21st March, 2009]

The Elephant Festival is a one of a kind event that is held in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, in March each year. In India, elephants have always occupied a pride of place. From being the carries of royalty in battlefields, they were also the chosen vehicles in royal processions and celebrations. And it is in keeping with this tradition that the Rajasthan government began this festival almost a decade ago, aimed specifically at attracting foreign tourists and all those interested in catching a glimpse of the royal splendor that India is synonymous with.

The festival kicks off with a spectacular procession of several elephants decorated in all their glittering finery, followed by other animals like horses and camels. After them come the traditional folk artistes of Rajasthan, performing their songs and dances in all their rustic charm. As it proceeds activities like elephant races and polo-matches take place, with one of the favorite being the tug-of-war between men and elephants in which there are equal cheers raised for both teams. The festival also includes various competitions in which titles like ‘Best Decorated Elephant’ are awarded to different ‘participants’.

There are musical programs, dance performances and finally a stupendous display of fireworks. People gather from all over to participate in the festivities and it is a visual treat to see the swirling ghagaras, the vibrant turbans, the danglers, the elaborate maang-tikkas and silver anklets, adding elegance and substance to the ethos. There are also many stalls put up in which sellers display their wares mostly comprising of handicrafts and ethnic items.

History tells us that right since the beginning, all guests of honour and royalty would be taken to the Amber fort , on the outskirts of Jaipur, atop elephants. This is something that can be experienced even today. Visitors have the thrill of their lives as the watch the world move by slowly from their heights on top of the graceful giants of yore.

One of the most unforgettable aspects of the Elephant Festival actually occurs with the Holi (Festival of Colours) celebration that marks the arrival of spring and in which the Jaipur Chaugan gets filled with elephants spurting colour through their trunks, bedecked from trunk to tail with impressive ornaments and painted on foreheads, trunks and feet with floral designs. Colours fly in all directions as the day proceeds and one and all get drawn into the intoxicating atmosphere, symbolic of the spirit of good will and joy.

As one looks up and sees the dazzling sparks of the grand finale firework display light up the night sky, and feels the grace of the majestic creatures they share the moments with, one cannot help but feel both humble and blessed at the richness of such moments.