5 Reasons to Visit Taj Mahotsav
If you have always wanted to visit Taj Mahal at Agra, do it between February 19th and 28th this year because this is when the Taj Mahotsav will be held. A 10-day festival organized by the Uttar Pradesh tourism department, this is an event that showcases the best of the artistry of the Indian people in different fields.
Enjoy and Soak in Indian Culture
With artists converging from different parts of the country, Taj Mahotsav offers visitors a glimpse of the vibrant culture and heritage of the people of India. Put up camp at one of these hotels in Agra and give yourself the perfect opportunity to witness some of the most poignant of classical and popular dance and musical performances by artistes from all over the country.
Build Your Collection of Handicrafts
Whether it is an intricately carved wooden artifact from Tamil Nadu to decorate your office, a piece of cane furniture from the North East to adorn your home, a Kashmiri shawl to gift your mother or some Banarasi zari and silk sarees for your wife, this is the place where you can get it all at one go. Most importantly, prices are quite reasonable and you know the amount you pay is reaching the true beneficiary – the artisan – without being diverted to some agent.
Get Exposure for Your Craft
If you are an artisan who creates works of art or an artiste specializing in some form of music and dance, Taj Mahotsav provides you the perfect platform to present your skills to a receptive audience. With several tourists from India as well as abroad including this festival on their itinerary, you are guaranteed a global audience for your skills.
Pamper Your Taste Buds
Fairs and festivals go hand-in-hand with food for people in India and the Taj Mahotsav is not any different. Whether it is the little-known dishes from the UP hinterland or the popular dishes with pan-Indian appeal, delicious fare is one of the major draws of this festival.
Visit the Taj Mahal and Other Local Attractions of Agra
Taj Mahotsav is held at Shilpgram, which is located close to the east gate of the Taj. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to visit not only the famed Taj Mahal, but also other local attractions that are a short distance away. Whether it is the 9.5 km-Taj Nature Walk that takes you through a natural forest around the Taj Mahal, or the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary that houses more than 125 species of birds, you can spend some time in the natural environs to unwind from the stress of urban life. At a little distance from the Taj are other well-known places such as Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and the temple town of Bateshwar on the banks of the river Yamuna.
With an entry fee of a mere Rs. 40/- that includes access to the cultural programmes, Taj Mahotsav is a steal for those looking at a cultural getaway. Slated for inauguration on February 19th at the hands of UP Chief Minister Sri. Akhilesh Yadav, this year’s festival has in store performances from ghazal singers, comedians, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Manipuri dance exponents and folk song and dance performances. Make sure you catch all the action live in the 22nd edition of Taj Mahotsav by booking your stay at any of the Agra hotels here and soak in the ethos of India.
About the Author
Anusuya Suresh : A postgraduate in Pharmacy, Anusuya Suresh has over 12 years of experience in teaching. She currently teaches at Bangalore and has authored a textbook that deals with the subject of plant-based medicines and Indian systems of medicine. Armed with a working knowledge of graphology (handwriting analysis) and trained as a life skills educator, she works on her own initiative to develop innovative workshops on personality development for her students. She is an articulate and entertaining speaker on topics such as Herbal Medicines, Personality Development, Stress Management, Spiritual Practice and Emotional Intelligence. She is also a freelance writer on topics ranging from health, travel and parenting to relationships, self-improvement and spirituality.
