Taj Mahotsav

Festivals of India are known for its colourfully jovial spirit and India tour during festival time adds to your vacations in India. And what would be more exciting and scintillating then planning your Taj Mahal tour in Agra during the mesmerizing Taj Festival. A ten-day event, the Taj festival - called Taj Mahotsav - at Agra is a cultural introduction of India. With the wondrous Taj Mahal serving as the backdrop for the annual festival, the Taj Mahotsav is usually held in the month of February.

A great draw with tourists who travel to Agra for Taj Mahal holidays, the Taj Mahotsav is an earnest endeavor to promote tourism in India by Uttar Pradesh Tourism. The Taj festival is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances.

From folk music, shayari (poetry), classical dance performances, elephant and camel rides to games and a food festival, the event is a celebration of traditional Indian art forms and crafts. The main events of Taj Mahal festival include classical dance performances by leading dance exponents and musical recitals by maestros, apart from display of various craft products and cultural shows.

The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen all help to recreate a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars. The food festival is an experience to savour with exotic cuisines and delicacies prepared by some of the oldest exponents and the typical preparations from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

The Craft Mela, held during the Taj Mahotsav, showcases the rich expertise of Indian craftsmen. Exquisite crafts like marble inlays, wood carvings from Saharanpur; brass and other metal-ware from Moradabad; handmade carpets of Badohi; the blue pottery of Khurja; the Chikan work of Lucknow; the silk of Banares etc. are exhibited during the Tal Festival.

Visitors and tourists can experience a profusion of folk music and dances of Dundelkhand, Nautanki (drama), Sapera dance of Rajasthan, Lavani of Maharashtra, shayari (poetry) and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides and games at the Taj Mahotsav.

The Taj Mahotsav is a non-stop 10 day carnival held annually at Shilpgram, near Tajmahal. The impressive festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen together recreate the glorious past of the Mughals.
The Taj Mahal Mahotsav area comes alive culture, crafts and traditions. It is a great opportunity for legendary artisans to display their exquisite works of art. Marble of course rules the festivities each year for obvious reasons.

Besides these, crafts include wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and other metal ware from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the pottery of Khurja, chickan-work of Lucknow, the silk of Banares and much more.

Indian festivities can never be complete without the preparation of exotic cuisine. Some of the best and richest foods are available during this time.

Add to this the soul-stirring performances from folk artists of various states casting a spell on the visitors. Throughout the Taj Mahotsav, one can experience a profusion of folk music and dances of Dundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan, Lavani of Maharashtra... performed just the way they used to be centuries ago. Visitors join in with the folk dancers enjoying swinging to a different tune and dance style.

The Taj Mahotsav is truly India at her best with a glimpse of her rich heritage and extraordinary legacies.