Visit the Resplendent Taj Mahotsav 2013: Experience the Golden Age of India

Imagine going back in time, standing on the banks of river Yamuna, watching the newly built Taj staring at you from across the river, in all its splendor and glory. Picture yourself being in the hustle and bustle of the by-lanes radiating from the Taj, watching artisans and shop keepers keep themselves busy with their daily chores. Let your senses envision the sights, sounds and smells of these markets…what wouldn’t you give to go back.

Photo Credit: Pranav Bhasin

Well, here’s your chance to visit Agra and be a part of the 22^nd edition of Taj Mahotsav – the only festival in India that celebrates this timeless classic. The event is an initiative by the UP Tourism Department aimed to celebrate India’s rich culture, arts and crafts, against the backdrop of the magnificent Taj Mahal. 

What is it about?

The Taj Mahal was designed to represent the two forms of existence - the living world and the afterlife. The inner courtyard and the mausoleum represent Eden, the afterlife, and the outer area represents the material world with all its trappings. Historically, the area outside the Taj Mahal was once a bustling market that did roaring business in arts and handicrafts; this very spirit is captured in its essence at the Taj Mahotsav festival. Be here between February 18 and 27 and you will find nearly 400 craftsmen, artisans and performers bedazzling the audience with their offerings.

Why should you go?

At the Taj Mahotsav, you will get to see (and buy at discounted rates) the enchanting blue ceramic pottery of Khurja, hand-woven carpets with complex designs from Bhadoi, exquisite papier-mâché objects d’art from Kashmir and silk and zari work from Benaras. You can also expect to see the regular expo favourites - wood and stone carvings from Tamil Nadu and brass ware from Moradabad.

The venue for the festival, Shilpagram or ‘artisans’ village’ near Taj Mahal, is all set to don the look of a carnival with elegant Kalbelia dancers from Rajasthan , Nautanki – folk theatre and drama – shows by artists from Braj and Bundelkhand and energetic Lavani dancers from Maharashtra. No carnival is complete without a Ferris wheel. The Fun Fair offers plenty of rides and other attractions for kids and the young at heart.

And finally, here’s one more reason to visit the Taj Mahotsav–food. Tons of it! Besides showcasing India’s rich culture, arts and crafts, Taj Mahotsav is also a celebration of India’s diverse cuisines. For a food lover, this is reason enough to go.

Avoid last minute panic and book your tickets now! You can also opt to travel by bus or hire a car. Come and be a part of this grand 10-day cultural affair and experience the diverse shades of India.

Don't Miss! India's Top 5 Forts

Think Indian history and you think of forts! Tales of kings and warriors still echo in the archways here. From mysterious ones to some that are just spectacular, forts have always been an inherent part of our heritage and a sheer delight to tourists.

1. Red Fort, New Delhi

Once home to Mughal kings, the Red Fort is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and an important symbol of Delhi. Every year on Independence Day, the President of India addresses the country from this formidable red sandstone building which still reverberates of Mughal royalty. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17^thcentury, the fort houses unique artifacts like a giant lotus made of a single block of marble are sure to leave you spellbound. Buy a ticket to Red Fort to get transported to the Mughal era and get ready for some extra walking!

MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses, hotels and exciting holiday packages to Delhi.

2. Amber Fort, Jaipur

Such is the charm of Amber Fort in Jaipur that even soaring temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius do not discourage tourists from visiting this architectural fusion of Rajputana and Mughal styles. Built in the 15^th century, the fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking Lake Mayota. Manicured gardens with artistic archways and elaborate doors complete a picture-perfect landscape of Amber. The ceilings and walls of the halls are full of mirror work, intricate carvings and symmetric paintings that will leave you transfixed!

MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses, hotels and exciting holiday packages to Jaipur.

3. Gwalior Fort, Gwalior

As the sun rays fall on the Gwalior Fort, it glistens like one huge piece of jewelry adorning the terrain of Gwalior. Intricate sculptures and blue paintings on its walls only add to its magnificence.The Gujari Mahal in the fort is now converted into an archaeological museum where rare Hindu and Jain sculptures are preserved. One of the most invincible forts in the history of India, Gwalior Fort was home to the Scindia family and is also where Rani Lakshmi Bai’s died.

MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses, hotels and exciting holiday packages to Gwalior.

4. Agra Fort, Agra

A red sandstone building, the Agra Fort was built as a walled city spreading around 2.5 kilometres along River Yamuna. Overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort offers a sneak peek into the mesmerising life of the Mughals to all history buffs and art enthusiasts. This important Mughal fort is where Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life admiring the Taj Mahal from his chambers while imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb.

MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses, hotels and exciting holiday packages to Agra.

5. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

To some, it symbolises power and honour and to others, it’s just breathtakingly beautiful.The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is the city’s glory. Marks of cannonballs on the walls of the fort stand witness to its strength. Ruled by 17 generations of Rajputs, the fort is as formidable on the outside as beautiful and appealing it is on the inside. The best time to visit the fort is during the festivals of Gangaur and Dussehra when festivity and celebration take over and Rajasthani folk music fills the halls and courtyards of the fort; doing full justice to this cultural masterpiece.

MakeMyTrip offers flights, trains, buses, hotels and exciting holiday packages to Jodhpur.

My Weekend In Agra

“To be living in Delhi and not visiting Agra is like relishing pakoras without chutney.” This is what a rickshaw driver told me as we engaged in a conversation about Delhi and its sightseeing destinations.

Taj MahalI finally decided to visit the historic city of Agra to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj Mahal and its majestic beauty lived up to every bit of my expectations and even surpassed a few. The magnificence and the beauty of the monument are just remarkable and the feeling that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World gave me a concoction of thrill and pride. The smoothness and precision of the marble bricks, the minakari on the marble slabs and the symmetry that’s fantastically fashioned, offers different perspective to view this mausoleum. This beauty of the memorial of love is even more enhanced during dawn and dusk. The sunlight melting on the pristine white marble is simply enthralling where the monument looks more gorgeous than your first glimpse of it. Rabindranath Tagore described Taj Mahal as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”. Perhaps, nobody can describe it more aptly than this.

But Agra’s immense amount of history has more to it than just the Taj. The charm of the city extends not just to the numerous monuments and forts in the city but can be seen in every alley and household in Agra. Agra also houses two other UNESCO World Jama MasjidHeritage Sites: the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The forbidding exteriors of the Agra Fort host an inner paradise. One can explore the immaculate white marble mosque, Moti Masjid, the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khaas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. An exceptional testimony to the Mughal Empire in Agra is the Fatehpur Sikri. Also called the ‘City of Victory’, it comprises of a series of palaces, mosques and public buildings. Chini ka Rauza, Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb (also called ‘Baby Taj’), Sikandra and Mariyam’s Tomb are other mausoleums in the city that exemplifies Persian/ Mughal architecture. Considering that I have been to the Jama Masjid in Delhi, it was interesting to visit the Agra’s Jama Masjid. Almost built with the same architecture, I believe it must be the essence of the city that gave it a grandeur and charm of its own.

If you think you are bedazzled by the majestic forts and palaces in Agra, wait till you visit the gardens here. Lush, verdant and blossoming- Agra also offers a variety of beautiful and enchanting baghs that will help you relax once you are tired of your sight-seeing expedition. It is truly amazing that the city is so richly soaked into the historicity and culture that even the gardens here have a story of their own rather than just being an epInside Agra Fortitome of aesthetic beauty. The Ram Bagh, Mehtab Bagh and the Soami Bagh Samadh are few of the popular gardens in Agra, each with an enchanting history and enthralling beauty of its own.

As much as the city is famous for its rich culture and heritage, it is equally popular for its bazaars. For almost everybody who visits Agra, cannot resist the temptation to explore its markets. Known for the fabulous marble-made handicrafts and soft stone inlay work, the shops in Agra are flooded with small souvenirs of the splendid monuments of the city, especially the Taj. The Zardosi adorned cloth pieces, itar, carpets and dhurries, brassware and leather made items are other sought after commodities in Agra. Be it the over-bustling crowd of people and rickshaws in Sadar Bazaar or the traffic of huge black cows and gangly goats in Kineri Bazaar, the fun is to find your way through this puddle and get to the respective shops.