Nepal’s annual elephant festival, which was celebrated in the Chitwan district, drew large crowds once again, with spectators cheering as the three finalists of the elephant beauty contest paraded before the judges.
Adorned in colorful decorations, these majestic animals symbolized both the admiration and criticism that this event has come to embody.
Buffkali, a 35-year-old elephant with her nails painted red, and a lotus drawn on her trunk, won the contest at the end of the nine-day festival.
Although the beauty of the elephants was the main focus, officials were also expected to inspect their heads and ears for any signs of mistreatment.
Concerns about the treatment of elephants have been mounting since the festival’s inception in 2004.
Held in the Chitwan district, home to Nepal’s most significant conservation area, the event has become a major tourist attraction.
However, there is a growing awareness among visitors and animal rights activists about potential abuse.
Elephants participated in various activities during the festival, including football, polo, races, and a beauty pageant.
They were also treated to a picnic of bananas and sugarcane. Elephants are revered in Nepal, especially as representations of the Hindu god Ganesh, and their presence at the festival attracts large crowds.
Deepak Bhattarai, head of the local hotel association that organizes the festival, emphasized the festival’s goal of showcasing the bond between humans and elephants. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to make the festival more “elephant-friendly” yearly.
“It’s exciting,” said visitor Sheetal Karki, “I brought my son to see the elephants. You don’t get to see them like this every day.”
However, the festival has faced criticism over reports of elephants being forced to participate in events using sticks or bullhooks.
According to Surajan Shrestha of the local Animal Rights Club, activists have collaborated with organizers to address these issues.
This year, the use of bullhooks during games was reportedly eliminated, although abuse has still been observed away from the field.
Shrestha remains hopeful that their campaign will push organizers to improve the treatment of elephants at the festival.
Similarly, Jason Baker, a vice president of PETA, called for more significant changes in a statement issued on Thursday. “It’s 2020 – the Chitwan authorities need to stop treating elephants like it’s 1820,” he said.
He also urged the region to focus on promoting local culture and stop using animals in entertainment.
In light of mounting pressure, Nepal’s popular elephant polo championships were canceled in 2016 as concerns over animal welfare continue to grow.
The festival remains a significant event in Nepal, but ongoing discussions about animal rights and ethical treatment have put it under increased scrutiny.
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