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Why Is Jaipur’s Elephant Festival So Popular?

If attending Jaipur’s Elephant Festival is not on your bucket list yet, then chart out a new priority list for this year's Holi celebrations!

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By: Kashish Arora Published: Feb 05, 2021 01:41 PM IST

Why Is Jaipur’s Elephant Festival So Popular?
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock

Holi celebrations in Jaipur is one of the most enthralling events to attend in India. During Holi, the famous Elephant Festival is organised in the Pink City wherein a colourful procession takes place with chariots, palanquins and the participation of mighty elephants. If attending this event is not on your 2021 bucket list yet, then chart out a new priority list for Holi celebrations, quickly! By Kashish Arora

 

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If your idea of celebrating Holi encompasses taking to the streets, and dancing to the tunes of drum beats while smearing each other with gulal (red powder) and squirts of pichkaris (water guns), then Rajasthan’s pink city, Jaipur, is exactly where you should be heading. 

Over the years, Jaipur has gained popularity for celebrating Holi with customary fervour. Here, people throng the streets in excitement and happiness; wear traditional clothes dyed in bright hues, and revellers not only visit each other to play and eat together but also to attend the annual carnivals. Jaipur’s Elephant Festival is one such celebration that serves as proof of the immense fun The Pink City’s residents believe in diving deep into.

 

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The Jaipur Elephant Festival originated in ancient times to celebrate the traditions and colours of Rajasthan. Mythology states that during the Amrit Manthan or Samudra Manthana (an episode narrated in the Bhagavata Purana of Hindu philosophy), gods and demons churned nine invaluable gems from the ocean, of which elephants were one of them. Even during the monarchy era, elephants were used to represent the king’s strength for entertainment. These elephants were often left on grounds to fight against other mammals. Despite tremendous changes in the way, entertainment is perceived today, the culture of Rajasthan remains unchanged wherein most rituals continue to have the involvement of elephants.

The grand festival’s edifice is deeply associated with Rajasthan’s cultural colours. The elephant embellishments—the chief point of attraction during this festival—not only entice Indians but also lure foreigners from across the globe. Elephants, along with their mahouts, are given special treatment throughout the course of the event. The elephants are dressed in regal attire with expensive rugs and jewellery, and their bodies are painted elaborately. However, only female elephants have the right to participate in the prestigious procession.

 

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After the completion of games such as elephant race, tug of war and award shows, a live music session is hosted that is enjoyed by many. Best instrumentalists from across the state are invited to showcase their talent.

Getting there

The nearest airport is located in the pink city itself, known as the Jaipur International Airport. Earlier, the festival was held at the Chaugan Stadium in the old city. However, with an increasing number of domestic and international tourists, the venue was changed in 2011. The festival has now moved to Jaipur’s old ground, opposite to the famous Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

When to visit

This year, the festival will be held on March 28 (coinciding with Holi) at 04:00 pm. As there is no entry fee, anyone can visit the ground to enjoy the elephant show.

Related: Ever Heard Of Mannarasala Ayilyam? A Unique Festival Of Snakes Celebrated In Kerala

Written By

Kashish Arora

Kashish Arora

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