Taj Mahotsav 2024: Festival of art, craft, culture and cuisine

The Taj Mahotsav festival is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in Agra. It attracts thousands of tourists from all corners of the country and overseas. In this blog, we provide all the information you need about the festival. 

One of the seven wonders of the world, it is unarguably the greatest love symbol. The magical monument in Agra is a testament to ethereal love and stands tall and proud as a reminder of the timeless love story between the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz. 

While the Taj Mahal itself is considered a monument that celebrates love, there is a special festival dedicated to celebrating the Taj Mahal known as the Taj Mahotsav. It is an annual cultural festival that is celebrated for 10 days in Agra. 

The Dates for Taj Mahotsav 2024 

This year, the Taj Mahotsav Festival will start on February 17 and end on February 27.

Taj Mahotsav 2024 Theme

Every year, the Taj Mahotsav Festival is celebrated with a different theme. This year, the theme is Dharohar. 

Taj Mahotsav 2024 Ticket Prices

• Foreign tourists – Free Entry
• Indian resident adults – Rs. 50/person
• Children below 5 years – Free Entry
• Children aged 5-10 years – Rs. 10/person

About the Taj Mahotsav Festival

The Taj Mahotsav Festival is a 10-day annual festival in Shilpgram, Agra. The celebrations revolve around reminiscing about the Mughal era and the royal empire that flourished in the region. The festival also aims to revive the Nawabi lifestyle that was once prevalent in Uttar Pradesh during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. 

Taj Mahotsav Festival celebration first started in 1992, and since then, the festival has grown bigger and better, and its popularity has increased manifold. Apart from celebrating the magnificent royals, the festival also reflects and celebrates the vibrant Indian art, dance, craft, music, culture and cuisine of India. 

The festival gives a platform to several aspiring local talents in diverse fields like artists, craftspersons, culinary experts, and performers from Uttar Pradesh to showcase their talents and display their work to the world. As a tourist, you can purchase their works at a very reasonable price. 

The Tourism Ministry of Uttar Pradesh organises the stunning cultural event. It is held near the Eastern Gate of the majestic mausoleum, Taj Mahal. The year 2024 marks its 31st anniversary. 

Programs and Events at Taj Mahotsav

Taj Mahotsav perfectly blends everything you want to experience as a tourist, from incredible arts, foot-tapping music, and dance to mouth-watering foods. It is also a mecca for shopaholics; you can fill your bags with an array of goodies, like traditional jewellery items, folk dresses, stunning paintings, showpieces, lamps, etc. 

During the festival, more than 400 people across India can present their work to the world. Another major highlight of the festival is the commencement event of the festival, which begins with a road march of elephants and camels that are decorated with ornate jewellery and clothing.

The procession of these magnificent beasts emulates the victory march of the emperors and warlords who took out these processions to celebrate their victory. 

Arts and Crafts at Taj Mahotsav

The festival presents a kaleidoscope of different crafts from all corners of the country. It showcases stunning artefacts, including:

Zardozi and marble works - Agra

• Pottery - Khurja
• Wood carvings - Saharanpur
• Silk and Zari work - Benaras
• Metal and Brass wares - Moradabad
• Chikan clothing - Lucknow
• Handmade carpets - Kashmir and Gujarat

Dance and Music

While you may enjoy watching the camel procession and seeing the works of different artists, you can also enjoy the soul-stirring dance and musical performances by different artists. At the festival, you can enjoy music and traditional dance performances from different regions. Many renowned and new artists perform at the festival, casting a spell over the viewers. 

Another important performance that you can look forward to this year is the performance by the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, where performers will perform a specially curated dance form that aims to spread AIDS awareness. 

Fun Fair

The Taj Mahotsav festival is sure to charm all your family members. Both children and adults have plenty of things to see and do. Children especially will love the festival as they can enjoy a train, camel, elephant, and Ferris wheel. The festival is gushing with amusement, making it the best place for your family to have a gala time.

Where to stay in Agra?

You can enjoy the Taj Mahotsav festival celebrations in Agra and, at the same time, get the best hospitality experience by booking your stay at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham. It is one of the most premium resorts in Agra, offered by Club Mahindra. The resort boasts of spacious rooms, tastefully done décor and a serene ambiance that makes your stay peaceful, comfortable and relaxing. 

The resort has a perfect blend of tranquillity and the finest modern amenities, which ensures that every minute and second you spend indoors is equally pleasurable as you go out exploring the city. All in all, it is the perfect abode that is sure to make your holiday experience memorable and give you the best time of your life. 

So, with the Taj Mahotsav festival dates just around the corner, get your booking done and start planning your holiday. It is a ten-day festival, and each day promises to be enchanting and entertaining. You can have new experiences every day. Pack your bags, and get set going. A fun holiday in Agra awaits you.