The elephant festival, Jaipur, is one of the most fascinating events organized in Rajasthan. Elephants have long been associated with the royalty of India. They have been used as Royal careers for centuries. The animals have thus come to be associated with royalty and have been loved and respected by everyone. The elephant festival, Jaipur, is organized by the tourism department of Rajasthan. Jaipur was chosen as the venue due to its status as the capital of the state and one of the most important erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. This popular and vibrant festival is one of the most famous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.

The one day Jaipur elephant festival coincides with Holi, the Indian festival of colors. Usually this festival is held in the month of March. The handlers or mahouts decorate their elephants in regal attire, and make them walk in procession at the start of the day. The procession heads to the Chaugan, the vast ground in Jaipur where this festival is hosted. The procession is watched by thousands of tourists and locals. After reaching Chougan, the popular events are kicked off. The most important events are the elephant pageant, polo match, elephant race, and tug-of-war. The elephant pageant showcases the best elephants of the city. These magnificent animals are dressed up elegantly in regal garb, much as in the old days when such processions were part of everyday life of the city. The gallant elephants walk on a �ramp� much like the fashion divas in beauty contests, and are closely observed by the spectators and the judges. The best elephant wins the coveted �best decorated elephant� shield.

The game of polo involving elephants is a recent introduction to the festival. The huge and slow animals hardly make good replacements for horses, but watching the giants trot as the players play the game is a fantastic experience. Tourists are given an opportunity to participate in the event of tug-of-war with the elephant. Ten or more people give it their everything to beat the giant elephant at the other end, holding on to the rope. The elephant race is yet another event involving elephants in this festival. The tourists also get to ride these elephants and play holi, spraying colors at each other.

The elephants are not the only ones pampered and attended to at this festival. The horses and camels are also decorated in the same regal fashion as the elephants. They too participate in the parades and are adored by countless visitors. Besides the events involving the elephants, the traditional folk arts, including Rajasthani songs and dances provide ample entertainment to the spectators. A large variety of delicious food is also available for tourists to enjoy. All this entertainment makes the Jaipur elephant festival one of the chief attractions of tourism in Rajasthan.

First time tourists should visit the various other tourist destinations in Jaipur. These include the famous Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber fort and palace, the Jaigarh fort, and the city palace.

Touristplacesinindia.com provides online information about the Elephant festival in Jaipur and the famous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan in India. The Festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. They greet the visitors, offer garlands to the guests and walk past the ramp before a jury of experts and tourists to select the best amongst them for the �Best decorated Elephant' Shield! Though elephants are centre of attraction during the festival one can also see camels and horses beautifully decked up for the occasion. Elephant processions, races, polo and playing Holi on elephants are some of the events that one can enjoy during Elephant festival.

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