Taj Mahotsav

 

Celebrated every year since 1992, the festival reflects upon the vibrance of art, craft, dance, music and cuisines of India. 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 is 'Dharohar', which aims to celebrate India's grandeur of historical monuments.

Taj Mahotsav is organised by the Tourism ministry of Uttar Pradesh near the Eastern Gate of the marvellous monument, Taj Mahal. Besides being a source to mount tourism in India, the festival is one of the most eagerly awaited. It is organised every year from 18th- 27th of February and this year's celebration will mark the festival's 31st anniversary.

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.

Art 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.

Cuisines

Taj Mahotsav takes delight in offering a lip-smacking variety of delicacies and hence is an excellent spot for foodies. With a plethora of delicious dishes to choose from, the place will pamper one's taste buds. The food festival also has a rich variety of food prepared from within the interiors of Uttar Pradesh that one can relish. One gets a chance to taste the most exotic cuisines from different parts of India while also enjoying the mesmerising aroma of the appetites being cooked.

Fun Fair

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. 

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.

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.

Thus, The Taj Mahotsav is a cultural extravaganza that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. The lavish festival with all its pomp and show will render one a reminiscing experience.