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Elephant Festival
Elephants are the centre of attraction at this festival held every Holi, in Jaipur, Rajasthan Kerala. They stride majestically, parading their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, painted and gaily decorated with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. The elephants greet visitors, offer garlands to guests and walk past a jury of experts and tourists, vying for the "Best Decorated Elephant" shield. The animals are followed by lively folk dancers. Elephant races and elephant polo matches are special attractions. The highlight of the festivals is a hilarious tug of war between elephants and men. The Gaj Shringar exhibition displays everything connected with the elephant - ornaments, textiles (jhoo), howdahs and carriages, paintings, medicines and food. Tourists are encouraged to join in the dances, mount the elephants and play Holi.