About Taj Mahotsav:
Taj Mahotsav is the most grandly celebrated event in India which is organized annually at Shilpgram near Tajmahal in the historic city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Started in 1992, Taj Mahotsav is organized by the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh every year with the prime objective of paying respect to the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and also to encourage local artisans.It is a ten-day celebration usually held in the month of February. Indeed, it is the best place for art and craft lovers as magnificent pieces of art and crafts are available here at the most affordable prices.
Glimpses:
The festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, and folk artists recreate the glorious past of the Mughals. At Taj Mahotsav, around 400 artisans get the opportunity of showcasing their work on a grand scale. It includes wood and stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo - cane work from North East, Paper mash work of South India and Kashmir, Zardozi work and Marble work from Agra. Apart from this, wood carving from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, carpets from Bhadohi, Pottery from Khurja, Chikan work from Lucknow, silk sarees from Banaras, shawls & carpets from Kashmir/Gujarat are also on the display. One could get to see the essence of Indian art and crafts all at one place. Taj Mahotsav also organizes cultural events which depict the cultural aspect of India through magnificent performances by the renowned and state-of-art artists. One can experience a blend of folk & classical music & dances of various regions.
Besides being a treat of great culture and art, Taj Mahotsav also is the ultimate destination for Indian food lovers. It offers a wide range of lip-smacking Indian cuisines from different parts of the country at reasonable rates. The fun fair is the biggest attraction for children as it involves fun rides such as merry-go-rounds, train rides and much more. Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platform. There is a bundle of activities such as folk music, Shayari (poetry), classical dance performances, folk music and dances of Bundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance, and Lavani. Also, there are elephant and camel rides along with games and food festival that make the event even livelier. The Taj Mahotsav gives a grand picture of India at her best with a glimpse of her rich heritage and extraordinary legacies
How to Reach:
By Air: Kheria Airport is 13 km away from Agra city.
By Train: There are five railway stations in Agra – Agra Fort Railway Station, Agra Cantt, Raja Ki Mandi, Idgah Railway Station and Agra City. Agra Cantt is the best option to reach Taj Mahotsav.
By Bus: All the major cities are well connected to Agra by road. Idgah Bus Stand is around 8 km from Taj Mahal, and ISBT is around 12 km.