Come February and it's springtime!
The time of the year when nature dawns all it's colorful
splendour and Agra bursts into colorful celebrations.
For 10 days there is a sheer celebration of Uttar
Pradesh's rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture,
cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsav
time again. There are festivities all around and Agra
truly puts on the colors of joy and gets transformed
into one non-stop carnival. Organised by Uttar Pradesh
Tourism, and held as an annual event at Shilpgram,
literally next door to the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav
is indeed a fitting tribute to the legendary skills
of mate craftsmen and exponents of art, music and
cuisine. Not only this, it is also a gentle peep into
the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this
wonderful land.
The festivities commence with
a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour.
Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk
artists and master craftsmen.... all help to recreate
a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of
the Mughal Darbars.
Taj Mahotsav is where the legendary
artisans and master craftsmen breathe life into their
exquisite works of art. Marble inlay apart, the Festival
brings forth an array of other fine crafts as well-
wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and other metal
wares from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi,
the blue pottery of Khurja, the Chikan work of Lucknow,
the silk of Banares... to name a few. Agra with its
legendry tradition of exquisite craftsmanship is thus
the ideal venue for holding a crafts fair like the
Taj Mahotsav.
At the Mahotsav, be sure to be a part
of the Food Festival. Relish the exotic cuisines and
delicacies prepared by some of the oldest exponents
and the typical preparations from the interiors of
Uttar Pradesh.
Throughout the Mahotsav, one can experience
a profusion of folk music and dances of Dundelkhand,
'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan, Lavani
of Maharashtra.... performed just the way they used
to be centuries ago.
Agra is renowned for it's breathtaking,
centuries old monuments. For experiencing the pomp
and glory of the eras gone by there are classical
performances held at these ageless sites, recreating
the splendor and ambience once associated with Mughal
monarchs.
Contact us to visit Agra for the
next Taj Mahotsav.
