Bejewelled jumbos await Vances at Amber

Jaipur: In signature Rajasthan tradition showcasing royal grandeur, two heavily bedecked elephants will extend a ceremonial welcome to US vice-president JD Vance when he visits the Amber Fort in Jaipur on Tuesday.

The majestic duo who will lead the reception, Pushpa and Chanda, are known for their grace and discipline. For the special occasion, each of the two female jumbos will be adorned with antique silver jewellery weighing nearly 60kg and featuring intricate motifs of lions, Sun and floral patterns. A rehearsal was carried out at the fort on Monday to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.

Their owner, Ballu Khan, said each elephant will wear traditional ornaments, including ‘kanagoza' (earpieces) weighing 8kg, ‘kantha' or necklaces weighing 10kg, headpieces inscribed with ‘Shri' weighing 4kg, and silver anklets. These heirloom pieces, dating back 250-300 years, will be complemented by a 22kg silver ‘odha' draped on their backs.

The elephants will also don embroidered ‘jhoole' (caparisons) featuring wildlife imagery — tigers, deer and peacocks — reflecting the state's deep connection with nature. Their bodies will be painted with traditional artwork using natural colours.

Residents of the city's Hathigaon, the two elephants were given an elaborate bath on Monday in preparation for the ceremony. According to the schedule, they will arrive at the fort around 8am on Tuesday. "Chanda will garland the US vice-president, while Pushpa will offer blessings," Khan said.