My bucket list seems to be growing longer and longer but the Elephant Festival is definitely in the top ten!! This annual event is held in Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan on the full moon day of Phalgun Purnima (February/March). Elephants have always held an important place in the Indian society, Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity with the head of an elephant is greatly revered and is the lord master of all ceremonies and happy beginnings. The elephant is associated with Buddha and the Indian deity Ganesh and can be used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength, protection of the home, fertility, and general good luck. Therefore, elephants are part of many major religious ceremonies, processions and even marriage ceremonies.
The elephants are the main attraction at the Elephant Festival. These majestic animals are washed, painted and groomed in all their finery. They are then decorated for the festival with chunky elephant jewelry, large anklets decked with bells, their bodies are painted with traditional Indian motifs, gold embroidered velvet rugs grace their backs along with silver and gold plated Howdahs and gold embroidered velvet parasol’s . The large ears of the elephants are adorned with ear danglers and brightly colored brocade scarfs. Even their tusks are ringed with gold and silver bracelets and rings.
The elephants are the main attraction at the Elephant Festival. These majestic animals are washed, painted and groomed in all their finery. They are then decorated for the festival with chunky elephant jewelry, large anklets decked with bells, their bodies are painted with traditional Indian motifs, gold embroidered velvet rugs grace their backs along with silver and gold plated Howdahs and gold embroidered velvet parasol’s . The large ears of the elephants are adorned with ear danglers and brightly colored brocade scarfs. Even their tusks are ringed with gold and silver bracelets and rings.
Love the detail in her trunk!
These ladies are smiling.
The next Elephant Festival at Jaipur is scheduled to be held on 16th March 2014. Who wants to go with me?? In the meantime I can enjoy looking at these lovely Elephants that we have here for sale at Gillyweed. Elephants with their trunks facing upwards represent prosperity, good luck, and success! So here's to a Happy New Year!!
Elephant polo is the most noticeable feature of elephant festival where, the players wear saffron and red turbans.
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