Photos

This Rajasthani man playing the flutes with help of his nostrils :P, dancing along the way during a part of the famous 'Elephant Festival'

The Elephant Festival is a unique event held annually in Jaipur, the capital of the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Groomed to perfection, glittering in gold, row upon row of elephants catwalk before an enthralled audience. The elephants move gracefully in procession, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is festival time for the elephants.

TIME OF THE YEAR

This festival is celebrated on the day of Holi, the Indian festival of colors.

CELEBRATIONS

There are deadly and fierce elephant fights in the Jaipur Chaugan or polo field, the venue of the Elephant Festival. 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 bankiya (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.

Strangely, most of the participants are female elephants. The mahouts (elephant keepers) take great care to decorate the elephants-painting their trunks, foreheads, and feet with floral motifs and adorning them from tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. The mahouts were employed in the Phil Khana, the department of elephant in the royal administration. They played an important role until the princely state was incorporated into the Union and the department because redundant. They, however, have continued their association with the elephants.

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.

ISO 800
EV +0.3
Focal Length 300mm
Cropped

Cheers hope you like it :)
Vishal Sabharwal