‘Babu’, the Royal Elephant of Jaipur, Adds Grandeur to High-Profile Udaipur Wedding

Udaipur: The City of Lakes is once again capturing global attention as it hosts a stunning royal wedding between American billionaire businessman Rama Raju Mantena’s daughter Netra Elizabeth and groom Vamsi Gadiraju. The grand celebration, which began on 21 November and will continue until 24 November, has already welcomed high-profile guests—including Donald Trump Jr., son of the U.S. President, who arrived with his partner.

But the biggest attraction of this extravagant wedding is not a celebrity—it is ‘Babu’, the famed male elephant from Jaipur, celebrated for gracing several high-profile Indian weddings, including that of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

‘Babu’ to Lead the Groom’s Traditional Hindu Entry

In accordance with Hindu customs, the groom performs the ritual of ‘Toran Maarna’—entering the wedding venue on a horse or elephant before the seven sacred vows.
This time, groom Vamsi will ride Babu as he proceeds toward the mandap, where Netra and Vamsi will exchange garlands and complete the traditional rituals.

Babu, known for his dignified presence and majestic build, has become a symbol of royal celebration in Rajasthan.

A Star of Royal Weddings

This is not Babu’s first grand appearance. He has previously participated in several high-profile ceremonies, including:

• Priyanka Chopra – Nick Jonas wedding
• Isha Ambani’s wedding celebrations
• Events featuring actors and singers such as Armaan Malik, Toshi Sabri, Sriramya, and Krishna Patel

Earlier this year, during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s India visit, Babu welcomed him by offering a ceremonial garland—further boosting his fame.

Selected Months in Advance

According to Babu’s owner, Ballu Khan, representatives from the wedding-planner company visited Jaipur nearly three months ago. They explored the Elephant Village, inspected several elephants and female elephants—including Chanda, Pushpa, Pinky, Jaymala, and Lakshmi—before finalizing Babu.

Babu was chosen for his:

• Majestic height and impressive physique
• Calm and friendly temperament
• Striking 1.5-foot-long tusks that enhance his royal aura

He is also the only male elephant in Jaipur’s Elephant Village, making him a unique attraction.

Specially Decorated for the Ceremony

Babu has already arrived at the Jagmandir Island Palace in Udaipur, where the wedding rituals are being held. He has been beautifully adorned with:

• Traditional royal fabrics
• Intricate natural-color body art
• Handcrafted Rajasthani jewellery

His presence has significantly elevated the charm and splendour of this already-lavish celebration.