Ruthvi Subramaniam
Gateway Middle School
6th Grade
“The elephant is a cultural icon that holds a position of paramount importance in Hindu culture. It is a sacred symbol of divinity, peace, and royalty. Lord Ganesha, the deity with the elephant head, is worshipped as the God of beginnings and the remover of obstacles. This Madhubani painting called 'The Royal Elephant.’ It depicts a royal elephant walking the cobbled paths of Jaipur and represents the significance this gentle animal holds in India's festival of colors, Holi. Known for its royal heritage, Rajasthan's monarchy rode on howdahs (carriages placed on the elephant's back) and competed against each other in races. The Jaipur Holi Elephant Festival preserves this culture with a blend of adventure. During this festival, the elephants are adorned with ornamental head plates, anklets, ear danglers, and embellished jhool (saddle cloth). They are decorated with designs made up of vibrant colors on their body. The elephants are then paraded on the streets of Jaipur and engage in races, elephant dances, elephant polo matches, and tug-of-war. These gentle giants have played a pivotal role in Jaipur's history, symbolizing power, strength, and the enduring connection between humans and animals.”
