Jaipur: In a unique and heartwarming celebration, elephants at Jaipur’s Hathi Gaon (Elephant Village) marked the birthday of industrialist Anant Ambani with a special feast that included a massive 3,000-kilogram fruit buffet. The unusual “elephant party” attracted widespread attention and drew visitors eager to witness the rare celebration.
The event was organised on Wednesday by the Hathi Gaon Vikas Samiti at the Elephant Village located near Amber in Jaipur, which is home to more than 100 elephants and their mahout families. The celebration aimed to highlight animal welfare and promote compassion toward animals.
Elephants Cut Birthday Cake
One of the highlights of the celebration was a cake-cutting ceremony performed by three elephants Hathi Babu, Hathini Pushpa and Hathini Chanda. Using their trunks, the elephants participated in the symbolic cake-cutting, delighting the gathered crowd and creating a festive atmosphere.
The elephants were also decorated in traditional Rajasthani style, adding colour and vibrancy to the event. Many visitors gathered at the Elephant Village to watch the celebration and capture the moment on camera.
3,000 kg Grand Fruit Feast
A grand buffet weighing around 3,000 kilograms of fruits and food was arranged especially for the elephants. The menu included bananas, apples, watermelons, papayas, oranges, sugarcane, jaggery, green fodder and other seasonal fruits, providing a nutritious treat for the animals.
Organisers said the feast was prepared after several days of planning to ensure the animals received healthy and balanced food.
Mahouts Honoured at the Event
Apart from the celebration for the elephants, the event also recognised the contributions of mahouts, the caretakers who look after the animals daily. They were honoured with ration kits, clothing, footwear and other essential items as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication.
According to organisers, the celebration was not just about marking a birthday but also about spreading awareness about animal care and the bond between humans and elephants.
About Hathi Gaon
Hathi Gaon, established by the Rajasthan government in 2010, was developed as a dedicated settlement for elephants and their handlers. The village provides structured housing and facilities to ensure better care and living conditions for the animals used in tourism and cultural activities in the region.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, is known for his interest in animal welfare and conservation initiatives. His efforts include supporting wildlife care programs and establishing large-scale animal rescue and rehabilitation initiatives in India.
The celebration at Jaipur’s Elephant Village once again highlighted the growing focus on animal welfare and conservation, turning a birthday event into a memorable gathering for both people and animals alike.