Mix of culture and history

Samod Sarngan | February 28, 2012

One of the most eagerly awaited festivals, Taj Mahotsav offers a window into the rich and vibrant arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music of India. The 10-day long carnival would be held from March 16-25 at Shilpgram near the eastern gate of Taj Mahal.

The festival aims to encourage rural artisans and offer them a platform to sell their magnificent works of art and craft directly to customers.

Agra: The Magnificent City

Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra evokes memories of romance, splendour and extravagance. Agra finds first mention in the epic Mahabharat as Agravan. The second century Roman geographer Ptolemy marked it as Agra on the world map.

Sultan Sikandar Lodi is generally accepted to have founded it in the year 1504. However, the golden age of Agra began with Mughals after 1526. It was the capital of the Mughal empire under Emperor Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The city’s significance as a political centre ended when the capital was transferred to Delhi by Shah Jahan.

With its illustrious past, the city figures on the itinerary of every tourist visiting India. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, the Mahotsav, started in year 1992, is aimed at providing boost to tourism and also enlightening tourists about India’s culture and heritage.

What to see:

Arts and Crafts: The 2012 edition of Taj Mahotsav will showcase exquisite creations of about 400 artisans from various parts of the country. If planning to refurbish your home, then you can find carvings in wood and stone, marble work from Agra, wood carving from Saharanpur, bamboo and cane work from North East, brass wares from Moradabad, papier mache work from South India and Kashmir, hand made carpets from Bhadohi and Khurja pottery.

If fabrics fascinate you, then be prepare to bedazzled by zardozi work from Agra, silk and zari work from Banaras, chikan from Lucknow, etc.

Culture: The festival also offers a cultural extravaganza which includes a profusion of folk and classical music. Dances from various parts of the country, performances by world renowned artistes would be the high point of the event.

Cuisines: Connoisseurs of good food have reason to exult as the 10-day long festival is an ideal place to pamper the taste buds. In addition to savouring the typical preparations from Uttar Pradesh, visitors can enjoy vegetarian and non vegetarian delicacies.

Fun Fair: The Mahotsav promises to be a complete family entertainment. Rides and roller-coasters, merry-go-rounds and ferris wheels will keep the children engaged.

Fees: Indian adults will have to pay Rs 20 as entry fees. Children up to 12 years and foreign tourists have been exempted. Separate tickets need not be bought for entry to cultural programme.

Viewing Taj

A trip to Agra can’t be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal, the monument to love. However, nothing can match the excitement and euphoria which one experiences while watching the Taj on a full moon night. Night viewing of Taj Mahal is allowed two days before and two days after full moon night.

The Taj Mahotsav coincides with the full moon night on March 19. Tickets are available 24 hours before night viewing of the Taj between 10 am-6 pm at Archaeological Survey of India office, 22, Mall Road (91-562- 2227261, 2227263).

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons