Elephant race in Nepali festival

A mahout cleans his elephant as he prepares it for a beauty pageant during Elephant Race in Sauraha, about 170 km (106 miles) south of Kathmandu, Nepal, Dec 28, 2010. Various animal activities took place during the elephant race, an annual event organized by the Regional Hotel Association of Sauraha. [Photo/Agencies]

People stand next to an elephant taking a bath before an elephant beauty pageant event at Sauraha, about 170 km (106 miles) south of Kathmandu December 28, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]