Taj Mahotsav is an annual ten-day festival that takes place in Agra. The festival showcases an outstanding variety of art and craft, dance and cuisines of artisans from different regions of India. Kicked off in 1992, this festival provides the platform to the artisans from various states to display their exquisite works of art at the same time also making them available to the tourists at the most reasonable prices. Apart from that, the festival is also a paradise for, food aficionados with a supply of a plethora of varieties of cuisines, children with a Fun Fair in place and the appreciators of folk culture.
About Taj Mahotsav Festival
A ten-day festival, Taj Mahotsav takes place every year in the Shilpgram district of Agra, India. The festival echoes the pristine memories of the old Mughal era and its royal empires. It also aims to resurrect the Nawabi style that marked the scenario of Uttar Pradesh in the 18th and 19th century.
One can witness the flamboyance of Indian artisans, through their magnificent works, which can be bought at the most reasonable and authentic prices. The carnival adopts a theme every year to accentuate the rich culture and heritage of India. The theme for 2019 was ‘Dharohar’, which aims to celebrate India’s grandeur of historical monuments.
Features Of Taj Mahotsav – Programs & Events
Taj Mahotsav celebrates the incredible work of Indian artisans and thus, is a repository of extensive art, enthralling artworks, mouth-watering cuisines and foot tapping dance and music. A perfect place for shopaholics, one can fill their bags with an array of things like elegant jewellery, traditional folk dresses, mind-blowing paintings and showpieces, lamps and exotic furniture, to name a few.
The Fiesta provides an ultimate platform for artisans from various regions to display their meticulous craftsmanship. Around 400 people from different areas in India get an opportunity to present their vibrant work. The annual festival commences with a road procession of splendidly decorated camels and elephants, emulating the victory procession of Mughal emperors and Warlords of the bygone era.
Arts and Craft
Taj Mahotsav presents a kaleidoscope of various crafts from all over India. It showcases beautiful artefacts from multiple regions like:
- Wood carvings from Saharanpur,
- Pottery from Khurja
- Zardozi and marble work from Agra,
- Chikan work from Lucknow.
- Brass and metal wares from Moradabad,
- Handmade carpets from Kashmir and Gujarat,
- Silk and zari work from Benaras and
- It also has a spectacular collection of hand-printed material from Farrukhabad and Bengal’s well known Kantha stitch.
The Crafts mela is one of the major attractions of Taj Mahotsav rekindling the majesty of Mughal empire.
Dance And Music
The carnival is renowned for its soul-stirring performances, brimming with enthusiasm and energy. The dance and musical acts that represent different walks of life are sure to cast an overwhelming spell on the viewer. One can enjoy the folk and classical music and traditional dances of various regions, especially the enthralling performance of Brij Bhumi, a folk dance performed in precisely the same way as it was years ago.
Renowned artists from all over the world grace the occasion by their spellbound performances that are classical, semi-classical or popular. Besides, the folk dances in the Mahotsav are an initiative of Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society that employs different dance forms to help spread awareness about AIDS. Thus, the dance and musical acts are the cynosures of the whole carnival.
Why Visit Taj Mahotsav?
The annual Taj Festival is an ideal spot to witness the excellent talent and artful craftsmanship of artisans in their respective field. Visitors get a chance to buy some of the most exquisite pieces and savour some of the most exotic delicacies of India. It is a perfect place to get a taste of India’s rich heritage of handicraft, dance and music and cuisines. Besides, one can also enjoy the beauty of Taj Mahal, one of the monuments amongst the seven wonders of the world.
Taj Mahotsav is a festival that charms both adults and children alike. Children can delight themselves by various fun-filled rides like train rides, elephant and camel rides, roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The Mahotsav is profuse with thrill and amusement, thus making it a complete family entertainer.
How To Reach Here?
One can reach here by any vehicle of their choice. The road connectivity to this area is very efficient. The nearest railway station to Taj Mahotsav is Agra Cantt. The place is also within 13 kms to Kheria airport, with many commercial flights connecting Delhi to Agra.
Taj Mahotsav 2020 Dates
2020 Taj Mahotsav will begin on Tuesday, 18 February and ends on Thursday, 27 February
Taj Mahotsav – Venue
Shilpgram district, Agra, India
Taj Mahotsav Theme of 2020
Dharohar
Taj Mahotsav – Ticket Price
- Adult: INR 50 per person
- Children up to five years of age: No entry fee
- Children from 5-10 years of age: INR 10 per person
- A group of 100 School children: Rs. 500/-
- (Entry is free for two teachers with the School Group)
- Foreign Tourist: No entry fee
