Rajasthan has always been known for its festivals and fairs that give it a distinct character and depth. In fact, all these events are basically an extension of Rajasthan's culture, which never fails to mesmerize people. The annual Elephant Festival in Jaipur is another such event that is sure to fascinate many. Held during the festival of Holi, the Elephant festival is basically a celebration of the advent of spring and an elaborate celebration of life as a whole.

On the day of the Elephant Festival every road in Jaipur seems to lead to the famous Polo Ground. The festival is flagged off by a huge procession of elaborately decorated elephants, camels and horses followed by a band of folk performers. Music, dancing and color becomes the order of the day with multitudes of people descending upon the venue of the most awaited festival in Jaipur.

Going by Rajasthan's long-standing association with elephants, the gentle beast leads the proceedings of the festival with aplomb. It is by far the most important guest of the festival. Visitors at the Elephant Festival are treated to a rare elephant beauty pageant, which is one of the favorite attractions of the fair. Add to it colorful dance performances, races and tug of wars. But the polo match played by colorfully dressed men on elephants is by far the most important attraction of the Elephant Festival.

The Elephant Festival of Jaipur has enthralled many so far. If you also want to be a part of this exciting event next year, make sure that you are in Rajasthan on the 10th of March (2009) and be a part of an event that is sure to change your conventional way of looking at fun and relaxation.

Many travelers pay frequent visits to Jaipur to witness the colorful celebrations that occur here on an extensive and expansive scale. Of the various fairs and festivals the one that enjoys an exclusive position is the elephant festival, Jaipur.

The elephant festival in Jaipur is celebrated annually. In this event elegantly and richly caparisoned elephants walk in a line and form a spectacular sight. In this Jaipur elephant festival different types of events take place of which run races, polo game, tug of war between elephants & men and finally participation in the spring festival of Holi are highly acclaimed. Truly speaking, elephant, camels and horse processions followed by animated folk dance performances can't afford to be missed.

The celebration of the elephant festival, Jaipur finds its place in the very famous Jataka stories of Buddhism where tradition of Hastimangala or the Elephant Festival is referred. Elephant are also considered to be the symbolic representation of strength and wealth. In fact the Rajput rulers have assigned special significance to elephants not only in wars but in royal festivities too. In the regal pageants the presence of the elephants was an absolute must.

To state laconically, Rajasthan Tourism in its endeavor to revive past traditions has promoted elephant festivals in Jaipur to the fullest extent. The present-day pageant and the game of polo that are an integral part of this festival were organized in the past by the Rajput kings.