Elephant Festival

Time of the Year : February / march (on Holi)
Places to Visit : Pushkar (Rajasthan)
Duration : Five Days


The Elephant Festival is one of the most popular festivals of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Elephant festival has its own charm and is celebrated every year in March on the occasion of Holi, the festival of colors. The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated throughout India, but the festival gets some more spice added to it, when it combines with the Elephant festival of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Elephants become the major attraction of this festival in their classy attires.

The famous Chaugan ground of Jaipur makes the perfect venue for the occasion. Elephant Festival commences with a parade of decorated Elephants marching towards the ground. Different competitions are organized to enjoy the festival to its full. Elephants engaged in races, polo-matches and tug-of-war with men make the spectators spellbound. Here one can enjoy seeing Elephants at their best. The Elephant keepers (mahouts) decorate their Elephants from head to toe with an exceptional care. The 'Best Decorated Elephant' contest is another feature of this cultural fest.

It is a festival time for Elephants, so they enjoy the festivity by dancing and playing. Live Folk dances and music programs are also arranged for the overall entertainment of people. This festival of Elephants revives the royalty of Jaipur, when people enjoy the glorious Elephant ride in the ground. The Elephants beautifully decked with floral motifs, make ultimate picture for the tourists. Being the time for Holi, tourists play Holi mounting on these painted Elephants. Elephant Festival of Jaipur is unusual, something different and definitely a special treat for the tourists.