The Elephant Parade festival recently concluded at the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur as a follow-up event to the Travels to My Elephant race. This elephant festival in Jaipur is an initiative to save elephants by donating proceeds from collections to The Elephants Family, a UK-based NGO. Travels to My Elephant Race involve a journey through Indian roads in painted auto-rickshaws, vintage jeeps, and Royal Enfield bikes. This is similar to the Rickshaw Run India. While I have not seen this rally, but I had the privilege to witness another one. Rickshaw Run! Rickshaw Run is UK-based. Looks like Travels to My Elephant is inspired by the Rickshaw Run. This elephant festival in Jaipur involved the display of large-size painted elephants at the Albert Hall Museum. It is essentially an art event in Jaipur as these elephants have been painted by the famous artists of India.
This is what Elephant Parade is as per their website:
Elephant Parade is a social enterprise and runs the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Created by artists and celebrities, each Elephant Parade statue is a unique art piece. The life-size, baby elephant statues are exhibited in international cities and raise awareness of the need for elephant conservation. Limited edition, handcrafted replicas and a select range of products are created from the exhibition elephants. 20% of Elephant Parade’s net profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects.
Baby-size elephants made of polyester resins were hand-painted by select artists and displayed as a pop-up exhibition at the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur.
If you haven’t heard or seen the Albert Hall Museum, here are two pictures of the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur. Albert Hall is an incredibly beautiful building built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style incorporating Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic influences. Of all the things on display, the Albert Hall Museum is famous for a 2300-year-old Egyptian mummy. It is one of the six Indian museums with an Egyptian mummy.
Featured artists include Dilip Sharma, Seema Kohli, Hanif Qureshi, Kalyan Joshi, and famous fashion designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. Out of 101 elephants created for the Elephant Parade, 22 elephants were on display at Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur. British Council and Prince Charles are also associated with the Elephant Parade. After the temporary exhibition in Jaipur elephants were showcased in a similar manner in Delhi and Mumbai. Prince Charles unveiled the Elephant Parade in New Delhi.
Each of these baby elephants is unique and has some story behind its design. Here is a creation by artist Dilip Sharma which is inspired by Indian floral motifs used extensively in carpets and fabrics.
This elephant has the influence of the Thanjavur style of painting from Tamil Nadu, India.
Tribal art by Lado Bai on one of the elephants. Lado Bai is a Bhil artist from Madhya Pradesh, India.
Some tourists were curious as to what this was all about since the Elephant Parade was on the front lawn of the Albert Hall Museum. Albert Hall Museum is a very popular tourist attraction among domestic tourists.
Some tourists found these elephants perfect for their social media profile pictures.
On a personal note, such events are unnecessary to save elephants. The impression one gets is that this rally is about driving and experiencing a tuk-tuk in an “exotic” land. It is promoted as an adventure event, driven by strong marketing as well as page 3 events! It’s not about saving elephants. The organization proudly proclaims that 20% of profit is contributed towards saving Asian elephants! What about 80% of profits? Why a minuscule percentage is donated when the organization took birth to saving elephants? It sounds like smart business acumen to make quick money. Making money is easier when you attach a social cause! No one minds paying! I am doubtful if at all something conclusive is being done to save animals.
Elephant Parade India showcased beautiful art on elephants created by popular & famous Indian artists and designers. Indian motifs and art styles transformed resin elephants into beautiful art pieces. What do you think?
If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to share it on your social media
Follow me on Facebook Twitter Instagram
This post appears as a part of a weekly photo challenge temporary.
JaipurThruMyLens 
Jaipur’s art scene is fascinating! So much talent packed in this post. I am a fan of any form of art. And the elephants are so cute with their painting on them. To top it — it’s all for a good cause.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cheryl, these elephants were not made by Jaipur based artists. Jaipur was merely a venue for this exhibition. Some of these creations have Jaipur connection, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish they had showcased local talent! I am a big fan of miniature artwork by local artisans. I remember buying couple of paintings of royal processions. It would give encouragement and exposure to the local artisans of Jaipur.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it would have but then that’s not what this organisation is concerned with. For anything to create buzz you got to have some different stuff…local art wouldn’t have achieved this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The elephants look wonderful, Arv, and the artwork is spectacular, but I was saddened to read what you said about the profits for the event. It is disgraceful that a mere 20% should actually go toward saving Asian elephants and I wonder how the organisers can justify that to themselves! Nevertheless, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well it is very well a capitalist society so everything goes. And how you present it also matters. Most people will be happy to accept that some money is at least going for charity but then what about rest of 80% which is being raised by arousing a feeling of charity? I’m sure you can find about it a lot more since this company is based out of UK and even Prince Charles and rest of family is also involved with it. Prince Charles made a trip to India just to unveil this exhibition in New Delhi!!
LikeLike
It’s so nice to see such colorful and decorated elephants parade in a palace. Photos are awesome and the palace is also beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed the elephants are a great piece of art. And Albert hall is an amazing monument as well. 😃
LikeLike
Nice photos
LikeLike
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful display of art. It occurred to me that the eyes of all the elephant statues look a bit melancholic and that has made them more beautiful. The Albert Hall is impressive. Indian Museum in Kolkata also features an Egyptian mummy as a display. Which are the other four? Any idea?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I guess you are right on eyes part. Other four cities are Hyderabad, Baroda, Lucknow and Mumbai. Hope this helps
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks… was just curious…
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful place, you’ve really inspired me to add India to my wishlist! Thank you for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to hear that you liked this place. Are you referring to the elephants or the venue?
LikeLike
I was referring to the beautiful venue. The elephants are also beautiful but it is sad to learn that such a small amount of money raised goes to the cause of elephant conservation. Sometimes as a tourist we would only see what is on the surface and it is good to learn the truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Albert hall museum is incredibly beautiful building. Given complexity of life we are unable to delve deeper into everything. You should visit Jaipur, someday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ironicsapien21.wordpress.in
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this with us!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Business Startup-Bay Area.
LikeLike
These are absolutely gorgeous! I hope if they ever go on tour I get to see them in person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They sure are! I hope you do. Where are you based?
LikeLike
I agree, if such a small amount is used to save the Elephants then what’s the point of this if not to make money for themselves
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well the whole concept of capitalism now focuses on smart marketing whereby the real motive is hidden behind social benefits.
LikeLiked by 1 person