Celebrated to mark the advent of Spring, Taj Mahotsav at
Agra is a 10-day affair that is celebrated from 18th February to 27th February every year. It is one of the most eagerly awaited tourism promotion fairs of India that has made its mark on the world map because of consistent showcasing of world-renowned talent performances and celebrity shows as highlights. Held at Shilpgram or the Crafts Village situated near the Eastern gate of famous
Taj Mahal, Taj Mahotsav was originally conceived to bring the finest arts, crafts, handmade items, cuisines and culture of India together at one place for the benefit of foreign tourists and traders alike. The popular pf festival has, since then, exceeded its conception and has become the face of royal grandeur of India all over the world.
A grand procession complete with bedecked camels and elephants and drummers herald the beginning of the famous Taj Mahotsav to offer you glimpses of the opulence and splendor of Mughals who chose Agra as their first capital and gave it an inimitable architectural, historical and cultural legacy. Master craftsmen and folk artists put their best foot forward to put on a display that is fabulous. A place to be for art connoisseurs, you can find some of the best artwork here including the creations of legendary artisans. Marble souvenirs, inspired by fine inlaid work of Taj, are the most exclusive items you can find here. Uttar Pradesh does its best to make the most of this opportunity to promote its indigenous arts and crafts such as pure handmade silk and zari sarees of Benares, cotton fabrics from Lucknow known for their chikan kari, shadow work and murri work, wood carvings from Saharanpur, glass bangles of Firozabad, metal ware from Moradabad, and pottery from Khurja.
About 400 master craftsmen gather to put on display indigenous arts and crafts of India. Some other things you can buy here include bamboo or cane work from Seven Sisters in North East India, wood and stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Kashmiri shawls and carpets, embroidered mirror work fabrics from Gujarat, and Kantha stitch embroidery from West Bengal. Exotic Mughlai cuisine has a magical aroma and is a gastronomer’s delight. Some of the most enchanting performances include dance, play and music forms that have made a niche at the world level such as snakecharmers’ or Sapera dance of Rajasthan, Lavani of Maharashtra, Nautanki or Road Plays, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Kathak dances. Taj Mahotsav allows you to see the rich and extraordinary heritage of India at a single venue.
