Jaipur, the Pink City is famous for its royal heritage and vibrant festivals. There are lots of popular local festivals in Jaipur like Teej and Gangaur. Apart from these, there are some festivals which are not so famous but they are quite beautiful and fascinating which you should experience at least once in your life. Elephant Festival is one of the events of Jaipur which gives a distinct identity to this city.
Imagine many beautiful and decorated elephants marching past you with their trunks raised to the tune of Rajasthani folk songs. Watching these marvelous and divine animals playing and dancing around very closely can be a memorable moment in your life.
What is the Elephant Festival?
The Elephant festival has its roots connected with the royal traditions of Rajasthan. In Hinduism, the elephant-headed deity Lord Ganesha is considered the remover of obstacles and who brings good fortune. Hence, elephants have always been more than just animals, they are the symbol of power and prestige in India.
During the royal period of Rajasthan, elephants played a very important role in warfare. They have also been of great importance in royal processions and religious ceremonies. This festival was introduced to honor the legacy showing the strength and beauty of these marvelous companions.
It is a way to appreciate their amazing bond with the people of Rajasthan and celebrate their gentle yet powerful presence in Indian history and culture. Gradually, this festival evolved as a grand event that attracts people from around the world.
Major Events of the Elephant Festival in Jaipur
The elephant festival is a very interesting celebration with lots of exciting events to show the beauty, strength and intelligence of the Elephants. The events are organized to engage the crowd with the cultural significance of elephants. Here are some of the major events you can attend during the elephant festival:
1. Elephant Parade
The festival starts with the grand elephant parade. Decorated with vibrant clothes, jewelry and floral boy paints, elephants walk in a disciplined manner. They raise their trunks as they enter the ground with Rajasthani folk music. You can see the crowd cheering for the royal parade filling the ground with excitement. Watching those beautifully decorated elephants walking with grace just near you could be overwhelming and one of the most unforgettable experiences of the festival.
2. Elephant Beauty Contest (Gaj Shringar)
Gaj Shringar is like an Elephant beauty contest where elephants compete to win the title of the most beautiful decoration. The handlers, known as “Mahawat”, put their efforts into decorating their elephants with vibrant dresses paired with body paint and jewelry. The winner is decided on the basis of adornment and how gracefully it is presented. This event is generally one of the favorites for the crowd and they eagerly wait for the announcement of the winner.
3. Elephant Polo
One of the most thrilling events is the Elephant Polo. As the name suggests it is generally a polo game played on elephants instead of horses. It might seem a little slow-paced compared to the traditional one but the grandeur of elephants participating makes it an extraordinary thing to watch.
4. Folk Performances
In between elephant centric events there are some folk performances as well to blend the culture of Rajasthan into the festival. Dancers perform traditional dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya. Dancers twirling in the beautiful and colorful attires with soulful Rajasthani folk music elevates the whole vibe. These different folk performances add positive energy along with the touch of rich and artistic heritage of Rajasthan.
5. Elephant Dance
Yes, you read it right! Another interesting event is the elephant dance. You might have seen dogs, cats, monkeys and other normal size animals dancing at some instance in your life. But watching this gigantic animal dancing is something you don’t get a chance to watch usually. Trained elephants gracefully swaying and harmonizing to the tunes of traditional music create a wonderful sight to enjoy.
6. Elephant Race
The elephant race is a friendly race across the ground to compete for the title of the fastest elephant. Elephants are usually considered slow paced animals due to their size. But, these gentle giants can run at a surprising speed of 20km per hour. If you are close to their running path, this could be a thrilling experience. However, they might not look like they are running because they four feet never leave the ground at the same time.
7. Tug of War
This event is very interesting, as the name suggests you might have thought it a tug of war between two elephants!
But no, to add a bit of fun, it is a light hearted tug of war between elephants and humans. A group of people is invited form the festival attendees for the challenge.
Spoiler Alert! For some very obvious reasons, the elephants always win. 😀
This event creates engagements between the people attending the festival and bring some laughter and joyful vibe for both the participants and the audience.
When is the Upcoming Elephant Festival in Jaipur?
The elephant festival is organized every year generally the day before Holi (The festival of color). However, it is best to double check some couple of days before for any official announcement or changes. Here are the details for the upcoming Elephant Festival in Jaipur.
- Date, Time, and Location for Upcoming Elephant Festival 2025:
- Date: 14th of March 2025
- Time: Begins in the afternoon, around 4:00 PM
- Location: Rambagh Polo Ground
- Entry Fee: Free and open to the public
How to Experience the Best Out of Elephant Festival?
Attending the Elephant Festival in Jaipur is a once in a lifetime experience. Every aspect of the festival offers something unique. If you are not familiar with the open events in India then some information beforehand can make your experience better and memorable. Here’s are some tips for you to can make your experience memorable:
Arrive Early for Best Spots
The elephant festival is a popular event that is open to the public and free. You should expect a crowd. The venue “Rambagh polo ground” is a very huge place but to enjoy the fest at its best, you should secure a good seating spot. For that you may need to arrive a little early. Some of the best seating spots are:
- Near the main entrance for the best experience of the parade.
- Centre of the ground for the best photography.
- Performance area to enjoy cultural events like folk dances and music.
Some travel agencies offer VIP packages with reserved seating with guided experience of the festival. So, if you want an organized, comfortable and hassle free experience you can go for it.
What to Wear and Bring
Elephant festival coincides with Holi, so expect a vibrant celebration with splash of colors and water as well.
- March is a hot month in Rajasthan, wear something light and comfortable to avoid heat during the day. Since there might be celebrations with color, avoid delicate and expensive clothes. Whites would be good as colors would look good and you will have some good photographs.
- Bring sunscreen and hat if possible as the heat could be intense in the afternoon.
- Staying hydrated is the most important thing in Rajasthan, so a water bottle is a must.
- Sunglasses can be helpful when there is an event when the sun is coming exactly parallel to the sight. It will also protect eyes from colors flying in the air during the celebration.
Safety Tips
The elephant festival is a safe event but large crowds and holi celebration could bring some challenges.
- Keep an eye on your belongings and stay close to your group or family you came with.
- Holi colors can get messy, so make sure to protect your eyes and mouth from powders.
- If you are attending the fest with kids, make sure to bring some snacks and water as there might be limited food options inside the venue.
Discover the Magic of the Elephant Festival in Jaipur
Elephant Festival is not an ordinary event, it is an experience that brings you closer to the tradition and culture of Rajasthan. This fest reminds us of the bond we have with any living creature. So let’s take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the traditional dance and music along with the joy of Holi festival. Start planning your trip to Jaipur along with the festival and make some memories that last forever!
Nakul Hada is a travel blogger. He is a travel buff who especially loves road trips. He believes in exploring and self-learning which makes his article informative and practical. You can find him on Linkedin or on Instagram @nakulsinghhada.