Howdah/culture: For thousands of years elephants in human care have assisted man by working in the forests of Asia, building, hauling, logging and even engaging in warfare. For centuries elephants have played an important role in religion. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is an elephant headed god and is the lord of success and remover of evils and obstacles. In some Asian cultures, the Baraat, or groom’s wedding procession, is a tradition that developed when a groom would travel for days in order to reach his bride. The groom arriving at his bride’s home on an elephant amid much fanfare is a sign that his family is wealthy and will be able to support his wife and their future children.