Only the eyes will peak through. One elephant extends its trunk to another as if in reassurance. A curious trunk may reach over, up and under a colleague's dress and is deterred only by a sharp word from the mahout. Fully cloaked in sequined velvet of rich deep blues, exotic ambers and vibrant reds, the elephants become a cascade of colour against the Temple wall. With their mahouts they wait calmly and patiently for the sun to go down and the ceremony to begin.
People mull around.
Loudspeakers perched high in the tree tops transmit banal echoes from the local radio station. It's a time when mahouts must be particularly alert. They must ensure that their elephant does not ruffle its dress. And they must keep the elephant calm amidst a swelling crowd and a cacophony of fireworks, drumming, and whip cracking. Some elephants may be experiencing their first festival.