Coming Date Taj Festival
Taj Festival is Celebrated on 19 February to 28 February in Agra.
About(Celebration) Taj Festival
The Taj Festival in Agra is an annual extravaganza that reveals the rich cultural heritage of our country and displays the finest specimens of Indian craftsmanship. All year long the people of Uttar Pradesh wait expectantly for this festival held at Silpagram near Taj Mahal.
This cultural bonanza was started in year 1992 and since then its grandeur has reached to greater heights. In the year 2013, we are celebrating the 22th year of this Mahotsav. This festival also figures in the calendar of events of the Department of Tourism, Government of India. A large number of Indian and foreign tourists coming to Agra joins this festivity in the month of February. One of the objectives of this craft mela is to provide encouragement to the Artisans. It also makes available the magnificent work of art and craft at the most reasonable and authentic prices that are not inflated by high maintenance cost.
Arts & Crafts
Here at Taj Mahotsav about 400 legendary artisans from different parts of the country get an opportunity to display their exquisite works of art. To name a few among them are the wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo/cane work from North East India, Paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, the marble and zardozi work from Agra, wood carving from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, hand made carpets from Bhadohi, Pottery from Khurja, Chikan work from Lucknow, silk & zari work from Banaras, shawls & carpets from Kashmir/Gujarat and hand printing from Farrukhabad and Kantha stitch from west Bengal etc.
Culture
Apart from the exquisite craft work you can experience the majestic and magnetic performances by artistes from every walks of life. The soul-stirring performances will engulf you to the extent of casting a spell. Throughout the Mahotsav, one can experience a profusion of folk & classical music & dances of various regions, especially the Brij Bhumi, performed the way they used to be centuries ago. The experience is so enthralling that you would not stop yourself from joining with the folk dancers. Besides the folk, the Mahotsav also exhibit the performance from the world renowned artistes from classical, semi-classical and popular art forms.
Cuisines
Beside being the right destination for the arts & crafts, the Mahotsav is also a delight for the connoisseurs of good food as it is the ideal place to pamper the taste buds of the visitors with endless varieties of scrumptious dishes. Some of the oldest exponents of the cuisine-art prepare the lip-smacking dishes. One can also relish the typical preparations from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.
Fun Fair
Funfair is the biggest attraction for children in the festival. It is a complete family entertainment which offers thrill and amusement for every one. Teenagers and adults enjoy various rides and roller coaster while children are happy with small ride such as merry-go-round, Train-rides and Ferris wheel. So have fun at Taj Mahotsav with your whole family.
Taj Festival Programs
Taj Festival is an ultimate platform provided to the artists worldwide to showcase their craftsmanship. Renowned artists, musicians, dancers and chefs put their best foot forward to make you experience a spectacular show.
There are cultural evenings organised during this festival where you can be a part of soul-stirring performances from world class artists of varied regions. The Festival envelops a plethora of art-forms from classical to folk and popular film music and dance performances.
Many well-known artists and musicians like Sonu Nigam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the late Jagjit Singh, Wadali Brothers (Sufi Singers), Shiv Kumar Sharma (Classical Santoor Vadan), Pankaj Udhaas, Sabri Brothers, Kailash Kher, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Nikolina Nikoleski, Padmshree Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt amongst others have graced the Festival stage in previous years. Apart from this you will be able to see many budding artists and unexplored folk talent from various regions participating in this event.
How to Rich Taj Festival Agra
By Air:One can fly to Agra from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata the major International Airports. A flight from Delhi to Agra will take only 40 minutes. The airport at Agra is 7 kilometers away form City center. Airport is 3 kms away form Idgah bus stand.
By Road :Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra. From here one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand. You may also book a Car form Delhi which will be a 4 hour drive and will cost you around $100.
By Rail:You can book a train ticket to Agra form any major city on Indian Railway. Indian Railway offers General Sleeper berths as well as First/Second/Third class AC coaches.
Taj Festival Tickets for 2013
Entry tickets for Taj Mahotsav can be purchased from the ticket counter on all the entry gates. Entry for kids below 13 years is free of cost while adults will have to pay INR 20 for their entry.
Taj Festival Images
