Elephant Festival Jaipur 2025 – Events, Tickets & Travel Guide

The Elephant Festival in Jaipur is one of the most spectacular cultural events in India, celebrating the grandeur, beauty, and significance of elephants in Rajasthani tradition. Held annually on the eve of Holi, this vibrant festival offers visitors an unforgettable experience filled with elephant parades, traditional performances, exciting competitions, and deep-rooted cultural symbolism.

If you’re planning to attend the Elephant Festival 2025, this guide will provide everything you need to know, from event details and attractions to travel tips, accommodation options, and insider recommendations.

In This Blog

Elephant Festival 2025: Date, Time & Location

Date: March 14, 2025
Time: From 4:00 PM onwards
Venue: Jaipur Polo Ground, Jaipur, Rajasthan

The festival is held one day before Holi, making it a perfect time to visit Jaipur and experience both celebrations in one trip. The Jaipur Polo Ground, located near the Rambagh Palace, provides a majestic setting for this event, attracting locals, tourists, and photographers from around the world.

History and Cultural Significance of the Elephant Festival

The Elephant Festival is deeply rooted in Rajasthan’s royal traditions, where elephants have been symbols of power, grace, and divinity for centuries. Historically, the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan used elephants in battles, royal processions, and religious ceremonies, considering them sacred and auspicious.

Organized by Rajasthan Tourism, the festival was introduced to promote Jaipur’s cultural heritage and provide visitors with an immersive experience of Rajasthani traditions, folklore, and royal festivities.

Elephants are not just royal animals in Rajasthan—they are also revered in Hindu mythology, with Lord Ganesha symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. This festival honors these majestic creatures while offering a unique blend of art, sports, and tradition.

Main Attractions of the Elephant Festival 2025

The Jaipur Elephant Festival 2025 promises a day of spectacular performances, thrilling competitions, and immersive cultural experiences.

1. Grand Elephant Parade

The highlight of the festival is the procession of elephants, each adorned in vibrant colors, intricate floral patterns, traditional jewelry, and elegant brocade scarves. The elephants march gracefully to the beats of Rajasthani folk music, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

Visitors can witness the elephants up close, take photographs, and interact with the mahouts (elephant caretakers) to learn more about these magnificent creatures.

2. Elephant Polo Match

One of the most exciting events, the elephant polo match is a thrilling display of skill, coordination, and teamwork. Dressed in royal attire, players ride elephants and use long mallets to hit the ball towards the goal, creating a lively and energetic game.

This unique sport, once played by Rajasthani kings, is a must-watch for anyone attending the festival.

3. Elephant Race

The elephant race is another major attraction, showcasing the strength, agility, and enthusiasm of these gentle giants. The crowd cheers as the elephants, led by their mahouts, gracefully compete in a friendly race across the field.

4. Tug-of-War: Elephants vs. Humans

A light-hearted yet entertaining competition, the tug-of-war event pits a group of humans against an elephant. Despite the valiant efforts of the participants, the elephant almost always emerges victorious, adding to the amusement and excitement of the festival.

5. Traditional Folk Performances

The festival is not just about elephants—it also features vibrant folk performances that showcase Rajasthan’s rich artistic heritage. These include:

Ghoomar Dance – A graceful Rajasthani folk dance performed by women in colorful traditional attire.
Kalbelia Dance – A lively dance performed by the Kalbelia community, known for its snake-like movements and energetic spins.
Kachhi Ghodi Dance – A dance where performers wear horse costumes and re-enact Rajput battle scenes.

The performances are accompanied by live music, traditional drumming, and soul-stirring folk songs.

6. Gaj Shringar Exhibition

The Gaj Shringar Exhibition is a unique showcase of elephant-related artifacts, paintings, jewelry, and decorative items. Visitors can explore:

Ornate elephant saddles (jhool) and anklets
Handcrafted elephant figurines and paintings
Traditional Rajasthani jewelry and textiles

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Rajasthan’s artistic traditions and take home some authentic souvenirs.

7. Elephant Dance Show

In a spectacular display of training and harmony, elephants dance gracefully to the beats of traditional Rajasthani music. Watching these gentle giants sway and move rhythmically is a magical experience that showcases the bond between elephants and their mahouts.

How to Attend the Elephant Festival 2025

Tickets & Entry Fee

The Elephant Festival is free and open to the public—no tickets are required.
Arriving early (by 3:30 PM) is recommended to get a good viewing spot, as the event attracts large crowds.

Best Time to Visit

The festival starts at 4:00 PM, but it’s best to arrive at least an hour early to explore the venue, interact with mahouts, and get the best seats.
As the festival is held on the eve of Holi, you can extend your stay to experience the colorful Holi celebrations in Jaipur on the next day.

How to Get to Jaipur

Jaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road:

By Air: Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is 13 km from the city center.
By Train: Jaipur Junction Railway Station is connected to all major Indian cities.
By Road: Jaipur is accessible via Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH48), making it a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi.

Where to Stay in Jaipur

Since the festival coincides with peak tourist season, booking accommodation in advance is recommended. Options include:

Luxury Hotels: Rambagh Palace, Samode Haveli, Taj Jai Mahal Palace
Boutique Hotels: Alsisar Haveli, Dera Mandawa, Shahpura House
Budget Stays: Zostel Jaipur, Hathroi Palace, Moustache Hostel

Tips for an Unforgettable Elephant Festival Experience

Arrive Early: Get to the venue by 3:30 PM to find a good viewing spot.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Since Holi follows the festival, wear clothes you don’t mind getting colorful.
Respect the Elephants: Do not touch or disturb the elephants without the mahout’s permission.
Bring a Camera: The festival is a photographer’s paradise, so bring a good camera or phone to capture stunning shots.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle as it can get warm during the event.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Elephant Festival 2025

The Elephant Festival in Jaipur is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a blend of history, culture, adventure, and visual spectacle. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, culture enthusiast, or first-time visitor to Rajasthan, this festival provides an authentic glimpse into India’s royal traditions and love for elephants.

Plan your trip, mark your calendar for March 14, 2025, and get ready to witness one of India’s most majestic festivals in the Pink City!

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