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The Elephant Festival gets underway in the month of Phalgun (March) on the
eve of Holi, the festival of colors.
The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and
folk dancers.
The sight of mighty jumbos striding majestically is a treat to watch. The
mahavats or owners proudly decorate their elephants with bright colors,
jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. Female elephants are made to
wear payals or anklets which tinkle as they walk. Prizes are given for the
most beautifully decorated elephant. Even more exciting is the polo match,
the Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men & Women.
The most colourful being the playing of Holi on Elephant back.