The spectrum of Onam gets its shade of royalty with the regal elephant ride.
Intricate designs are made on big golden plates made for the elephant's forehead. These are big enough and continue till trunk. A lot of craftsmanship goes into making innovative and exquisite designs each year. Another striking element of the elephant's decorative is the parasol. These are long stemmed ceremonial silk and satin umbrellas laced with white metal and placed on top of the animal. A silk robe, some jewelery and body painting adds to the looks. Only the most impressive and good looking animal gets the honor of being a part of the procession and wearing the ornate caparison.
The spectacular procession of pachyderms is one of the major highlights of Onam and attracts thousands of enthusiastic people. Majestic as it is, the elephants look even more handsome with the ornate caparison that it gets on this day. A darling of children, pachyderm amuses its audience by garlanding some, staring others and shaking its trunk and the big body a little along with the rhythm.