Elephant Festival, Jaipur 10th March

The Elephant Festival is an inimitable event held annually in Jaipur. Groomed flawlessly, rows of elephants do a catwalk before an enthralled audience and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is festival time with elephants, typically celebrated one day before Holi, the Indian festival of colors. Staged at Chaugan Stadium, Jaipur, elephants put up a variety of programs and the arena is brought alive with musicians and dancers. The crowd, which includes sizable presences of foreign and Indian tourist, electrifies the atmosphere. The festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. A ceremonial procession is recreated with caparisoned elephants, lancers on horses, chariots, camels, cannons and palanquins. Elephant is the centre of attraction in the many races and beauty pageants. Finally, some lucky tourists are invited to mount the elephants and play Holi.

This festival will be held on 28th Feb in 2010.

Holi (Festival of colors) – 11 March

Holi is undoubtedly the most fun- filled boisterous of Hindu festivals. The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated during the spring season either late February or in early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi'. Holi is the festival of young hearts. Spraying colors, dancing on traditional Holi songs, musical drum beats and wild processions are the common scenes that one comes across during this festival

Holi celebration begins with lighting up of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends & stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable.