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Rajasthan isn't just all about camels and camel festivals. The Jaipur Elephant Festival is a great opportunity to see the sturdy symbol of Rajput royalty, the elephant.
The Jaipur Elephant Festival is held at Jaipur's Chaugan Stadium, usually in the early evening from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Chaugan Stadium is right in the middle of the Old City of Jaipur, to the north of Tripolia Gate and the City Palace. Entrance is free.
The Elephant Festival begins with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The owners proudly embellish their elephants with vibrant colors, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. It is quite a treat to see female elephants wearing anklets, which tinkle as they walk. One can see people sprinkling 'gulaal' (colored powder) perched on top of the elephant.
There are prizes for the most beautifully decorated elephant. Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and women are the featured events of the festival.
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