India Travel Journal

Taj Mahotsav – best time to visit Agra

One of the most awaited events for the admirers of Taj Mahal and indeed the best time to experience the beauty of the crown of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahotsav. This festival begins with the onset of spring and continues non-stop for 10 days. This event is a festive introduction to Agra and to the diversities of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The major attraction point of this event is visit to Taj Mahal, the symbol of eternal love which serves as a backdrop with its mesmerising beauty.

Organized by the Uttar Pradesh tourism, this ethnically vivacious Mahotsav gives a platform to the Indian craftsmen and artists to showcase their finest works. The impressive festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour and is held at Shilpgram, near Tajmahal.

One of the major attractions of the festival are the folk performances, a profusion of folk music and dances of Dundelkhand, ‘Nautanki’ (Drama), ‘Sapera’ dance of Rajasthan and Lavani of Maharashtra performed just the way they used to be centuries ago. Visitors can also join in with the performers to have a swing and enjoy the Indian folk culture at its best.

The grandeur of the Mughal culture can be felt in this festival, ornamented elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen recreate the whole Mughal era with all its glory. The main event of the festival include classical dance performances and musical recitals by the maestros and if the event is in the city of Taj Mahal, then marble has to be an indispensable part of the festivities for obvious reasons. The famous shayari (poetry) of the Mughal culture adds glory to the event, one can sit in the evening listening to the age old shayaris which can leave anybody spell bounded.

No Indian festival can be complete without rich and exotic cuisines. During the Taj Mahotsav, you can indulge yourself in the best delicacies prepared in the typical way from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

This festival is also a delight for those having a bent towards photography. Every sight has a setting of perfect frame filled with colors and rich Indian heritage at its best.