Enough of a common mind-set remains that when Rudolph Giuliani (another pro-choice Catholic politician) last year denounced a painting of the Virgin incorporating elephant dung, his approval rating jumped from 60% to 80% among white Catholics.

ECONOMIST: New York��s Catholics

Depending on the time of year, there might be some combination of candle lighting, fireworks, an appearance by the temple elephant, Lakshmi, or a bonfire.

BBC: Escape from Goa: Hampi and the ruins of Vijayanagara

The same poachers were believed to be responsible for hundreds of elephant deaths over the past year.

CNN: Cameroon elephant slaughter latest in string of killings

The calls for a ban increased following revelations of the mistreatment of a circus elephant, Anne, last year.

BBC: Wild animals to be banned from circuses

The teams of scouts and elephant keepers operate 24 hours a day, year round.

WSJ: A Trumpet in the Wild

Every year 1.4 million tourists visit the fort and for many, an elephant ride is the highlight of the visit.

BBC: Rajasthan gets India's first 'elephant village'