History of Elephant Festival, Jaipur
Let’s have a flash on the back page of Elephant Festival, Jaipur. Rajasthan was mainly ruled by the Hindu kings, especially the Rajputs. And there is a very interesting legend behind the immense importance of elephants among Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that once gods and demons stirred the ocean together, in the hopes of becoming immortal. During the exploit, suddenly the nine jewels, which are also called the “navratnas” surfaced from the ocean. And among the nine jewels which appeared, one of them was an elephant. For that point, the elephant has been recognized as an inestimable animal.
The elephants signify royalty according to the traditions of Rajasthan. It was the time when the state of Rajasthan was governed and ruled under several royal figures as the emperors along with exceptional royalties. To maintain and represent the royalty they use to enjoy elephant rides to explore the area and to meet their populace. Apart from that, the royalty was also served by holding the events where the strongest elephants fight with each other to gratify the royal guests.
As soon as the elephant festival was introduced, it took the pace and was enough to attract a variety of visitors to enjoy the gala event. The Elephant Festival is considered one of the most popular and celebrated events in the city of Jaipur.
When is Elephant Festival Celebrated in Jaipur?
The Elephant Festival, Jaipur will be celebrated on March 17, 2022, in the Pink City of Rajasthan, which will start from 4 PM onwards.
Where is Elephant Festival in Jaipur?
The Jaipur Elephant Festival will be held at the Jaipur Polo Grounds, opposite the Sawai Man Singh Stadium. The ground is well-connected to the major cities and can be reached easily.
How to Reach and Attend the Elephant Festival, Jaipur
To attend the festival you have to reach Jaipur first, the capital city of Rajasthan. Scroll down to know more details about the how to reach section.
By Air
The nearest airport to Jaipur city is Sanganer or Jaipur International Airport, which is about 10 km away from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. From the airport, tourists can easily reach Jaipur Polo Grounds by taxi, cab, and buses.
Distance from Jaipur International Airport to Jaipur Polo Grounds: 9 km (approx).
Travel Time: 20 minutes (approx.).
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Jaipur is Jaipur Junction, which is about 2 km away from the city center. Jaipur Junction is well connected to the major railway stations all over India. Taxi, cab, and buses offer easy connectivity from the station to the Jaipur Polo Grounds.
Distance from Jaipur Junction to Jaipur Polo Grounds: 6 km (approx.).
Travel Time: 15 minutes (approx.).
By Road
Jaipur has a good network of roads connecting it with major Indian cities. NH 8, NH 11, and NH 12 are the main national highways connecting the city of Jaipur with other cities.
Some Interesting Facts about the Elephant Festival, Jaipur
- The magnificent performance of elephants is followed by the playing of classical instruments, which are the Nagaras and the Bankiyas.
- The elephants, which take part in the festival are exquisitely adorned with glittering silver and gold jewelry.
- The beautifully adorned female elephant performs dance, play, compete, and entertain visitors.
- The live shows are performed by the artists and dancers during the festivals. Apart from the elephant, other animals, including camels and horses take part in this festival.
- The elephant welcomes its guest like a king and also offers sumptuous rides during the festival.
Events to Enjoy during the Elephant Festival, Jaipur
The Gaja Shringar: It is one of the most attractive events during the festival. The Gaja Shringar refers to the adornment of the elephants using jewelry, fabrics, and other decorative items. The Mahouts, who are the trainers of the elephant, feel very proud while decorating their elephants.
The Live performances: It is one of the most interesting events during the festival. The Live performances are done by the traditional dancers featuring Daph and Gair dances, both of the performances reveal the excitement of the Holi Festival.
The Elephant Parade: Another best part of the festival, the Elephants Parade. During the event, the magnificently adorned elephants do a parade in front of the visitors. The parade is done to compete among the most beautifully decorated elephant prizes.
The Elephant Polo Matches: Enjoy the very exciting polo matches between the elephants, where the riders try to score goals using long polo and soccer sticks. The Tug of War: Have you ever wondered about pulling an elephant towards you with a rope? Well if not, then, must witness the Tug of War competition between elephants and men.
The rejoicing of Holi: Indulge in a dynamic atmosphere and join festivals to celebrate Holi with other beholders.
Tips and Things to Remember while Enjoying the Elephant Festival, Jaipur
- Be extra careful about your children during the festival, they might get lost in the bustling crowd.
- Do not forget to bring your camera for capturing beautiful moments.
- Always try to linger with your group to enjoy the festival.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carry extra cash while visiting the festival.
- Keep yourself updated with the festival timing, during the festival the ground quickly gets crowded and you may not be able to enjoy it.
- Book your tickets in advance to enjoy a hassle-free respite.
- You can also be a part of the festival and can show your strength by taking part in the tug of war event.
- Try to wear old clothes as while enjoying the festival, the color may fall onto your dress, which does not wash off easily.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses if you are allergic to colors.
Best Places to Stay near the Elephant Festival, Jaipur
The venue of the festival is located in the proximity of Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) Jaipur Rajasthan. And there are a plethora of options available from a budget-friendly to a luxurious retreat to stay in. So there is nothing to worry about. However, it is recommended to book your hotels in advance to enjoy a hassle-free holiday in Jaipur. Here is the list of some of the best hotels near the venue, from where you can easily visit and can enjoy the grand Elephant Festival, Jaipur! Check it out -
- Royal Heritage Haveli
- Narain Niwas Palace
- Grand Uniara. A Heritage Hotel
- Treebo Trend Woodsvilla Suites
- Arya Niwas
- Hotel Shikha
- Hotel Rajasthan Palace Jaipur
- Suryaa Villa
- Hotel Ananta Inn
- Lords Plaza Jaipur
- Park Prime Jaipur
- Naila Bagh Palace
- Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre
