Annually held in Jaipur, the Elephant Festival is a unique event, which is usually held in the month of March in Rajasthan. The elephants are groomed to perfection and they glitter in gold as they walk in rows before an excited audience. The elephants move gracefully in procession, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi.
During Holi, the Chaugan is brought alive with elephants, dancers, musicians, and onlookers from the entire globe. The festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets.
The echoing sound of the trumpet fills the atmosphere. A ceremonial procession is recreated with caparisoned elephants, lancers on horses, chariots, camels, cannons, and palanquins. The large beast is the center of attraction in the many races and beauty pageants.
The elephant-keepers take great care to decorate the elephants by painting their trunks, foreheads, and feet with floral motifs and adorning them from tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. The game of polo forms the highlight of the festival. Dressed in saffron and red turbans, the teams try to score goals with long sticks and a plastic football.
Finally, the tourists are invited to mount the elephants and play Holi. Participants dance with great vigor-the excitement rising to a crescendo.
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