Usually camels remain the highlight of any festival in Rajasthan, but a few festivals of the state mark elephants as well. Elephant Festival is an important festival of Rajasthan dedicated to the pachyderm. An annual festival, the Elephant festival is held in pink city, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan. Preparation for the festival begins well in advance and elephants are groomed to perfection by their masters.

During the festival large number of elephants, camels and horses take part in huge procession. Thousands of people from far and near reach the city to see the amazing catwalk of animals, beautifully painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. The elephants also participate in the races, play the royal game of polo and finally participate in the colourful festival of Holi.

Started only a decade ago, the Elephant Festival was included especially by Rajasthan Tourism to promote tourism. Each year on the day after the Holi festival, the Chaugan stadium at Jaipur, forms the venue for an impressive jamboree. In addition to massive procession, a programme of Dhaph and Gair dance demonstrating the spirit of Holi, dazzling display of fireworks altogether provide unforgettable experience to participants. So, come Jaipur this year to participate in the festival and go back your home with some lifelong memories.

Legends Associated with Elephant Festival
Traces of Elephant festival has been found in the Jataka tales of Buddhism that refer to the tradition of Hastimangala or the Elephant Festival. Besides, the elephant has also been of symbol of strength and wealth for the royal families. For the Rajputs, the elephants were used for war and also for the royal festivities.

During the Rajput rule, the king always mounted a caparisoned elephant and the Nishan-ka-hathi, the flag carrier elephant used to led the procession. For entertaining their guests, the royal families also used to organise special elephant fights and hunting expeditions. Few years back with the aim to promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Department revived the old tradition by starting the Elephant festival.

Elephant Festival Celebrations
Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur has a long colorful association with elephants. Every year during the elephant festival the city comes alive alive with elephants, dancers, musicians and onlookers from all the globe. As mentioned earlier, elephants are centre of attraction in Elephant festival. Usually the festival begins with a spectacular procession of elephants, camels and horses.

Other highlights of the festival include the elephant races, elephant polo matches and tug of war between elephants and men. Local artists also perform the folk dances during the festival. A unique 'Gaj Shringar' exhibition is also held during the festival which display elephant-ornaments, textiles (Jhoo) parapernalic howdahs and carriages, paintings, medicines, food etc.

Elephant Festival Date in 2008
21st March