Elephant Festival Jaipur | Elephant Ride in Jaipur
About Elephant Festival Jaipur or Elephant Ride in Jaipur
The Elephant Festival is an annual festival which is held per annum within the Pink City, Jaipur. This matchless event is organised on the complete moon day of Phalgun Purnima which falls within the month of February/March. it’s celebrated on the day before the festivals of colors i.e. Holi.
From traditional times, elephants have always been a crucial part of Indian society. The Elephant-headed God, Ganesha, believed to be the remover of obstacles and foremost to all or any the gods, is revered and devotedly worshipped altogether the parts of India. they’re also one among the foremost important parts of spiritual events, marriage ceremonies, processions, etc. and within the historic time, they were a big part of the battlefield.
For this festival, elephants are nicely painted, groomed and clothed with colorful and embroidered velvets rugs and parasols and other heavy ornaments like huge elephant jewelry, pearl, signing paint and anklets decked with bells. Intricate traditional Indian motifs are then painted on their bodies. Ear danglers and colored brocade scarves adorn their ears and necks respectively. Their tusks too get jeweled up by adorning them with gold and silver bracelets and rings; while foreheads are beautified with royal looking head-plates. All this is often done by their Mahouts (keepers/riders) after they’re done giving their elephants a shower. Moreover, the Mahouts to bask into the sunshine of the festivities by perking up themselves in brocade jackets and royal turbans.
In Jaipur Elephant Festival, Parade of painted elephants and this festival begins with the large and enthralling procession of the royal elephants painted with different reminder colors, embellished with heavy silver ornaments, and embroidered clothes. The elephants enter the bottom with their mahouts, thumping to the sound of nagadas and loud blows of bankiya, an instrument.
The participant elephants are all females. Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and ladies are the special features of this grand festival.
There are live performances of dancers and musicians too. Additionally to the present, within the procession, there are chariots, lancers on horses, camels, and palanquins. This festival is enjoyed by an enormous number of crowds including the visitors from different parts of India also as abroad. This festival, organized by Rajasthan Tourism and has now become a crucial part of its’ annual events calendar. In previous times, this festival was held at the Chaugan Stadium located within the old city area of Jaipur but thanks to the rise in crowds and fame, its venue got changed in 2011 and has been shifted to Jaipur Polo Ground which is opposite to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Entry Fee and Timing of About Elephant Festival Jaipur or Elephant Ride in Jaipur
There are no entry fees for enjoying the elephant festivals. Anyone can visit the festival grounds. However, separate stalls may need different fee structures for activities and entertainment features. The festival takes place on the complete moon night of February or March. the precise day of the festival changes from year to year. it’s usually celebrated on the day of the color festival, Holi.
The Elephant festival starts at 4:00 pm in the evening and ends at 7 in the evening.
History of Elephant Ride in Jaipur
The festival was introduced during the past as a celebration of traditions in Jaipur. Consistent with mythology, when Gods and demons churned the ocean, nine gems emerged out of the ocean and one among those gems represent the elephant. During kings’ reign, the strongest elephant is recognized during this fair. Elephants were allowed to fight against one another for people’s entertainment. Today, entertainment is ensured with race, dance, procession then on. In the year 2011, the Elephant festival was celebrated in Chaugan Stadium. With the increasing popularity of the festival, the stadium wasn’t ready to hold the massive crowd of audiences and therefore the venue has been shifted to Jaipur Polo Ground.
How to Reach in Elephant Festival
The celebration takes place within the Jaipur Polo Ground, which is found the right opposite to Sawai Man Singh Stadium. you’ll find buses, cabs, and autos from various parts of the town to the bottom.
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