Taj Mahotsav
About ten days in late February, near the Taj Mahal's east gate (dates announced yearly)
The Taj Mahotsav is organised by Uttar Pradesh tourism each February at Shilpgram, an open-air crafts village near the eastern approach to the Taj Mahal. For about ten days, artisans from across India set up stalls selling textiles, marble inlay, woodwork, brass, pottery and jewellery, and food stalls serve dishes from many regions.
In the evenings, open-air stages host folk music and dance, classical recitals and performances by artists from different states. The atmosphere is that of a large country fair, popular with local families. It is a good place to see and compare crafts, including Agra's own marble inlay and zardozi embroidery, without visiting individual workshops.
The festival is a pleasant addition to a February visit to Agra, when the weather is at its best. Dates are announced each year and have usually fallen in the second half of February; check current status before you travel.
How to do it well
- Go in the late afternoon, browse the stalls and stay for the evening programme.
- Bargain gently; prices are usually open to discussion.
- Combine with a sunset at Mehtab Bagh earlier in the day.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Taj Mahotsav held?
The Taj Mahotsav is usually held for about ten days in the second half of February at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal's east gate. Dates are announced by Uttar Pradesh tourism each year; check current status before you travel. February is also one of the best months for weather in Agra.
What can I buy at the Taj Mahotsav?
Artisans from across India sell textiles, embroidery, marble inlay, carpets, brass, woodwork, pottery and jewellery. It is a good place to compare crafts and prices. Quality varies, so look closely and bargain politely. Agra's marble inlay and zardozi are well represented.
Is the Taj Mahotsav inside the Taj Mahal?
No. The festival takes place at Shilpgram, an open-air crafts complex near the eastern approach to the Taj Mahal, not inside the monument. The Taj itself keeps its normal hours and remains closed on Fridays during the festival. The two are easy to combine on the same day.
Is there an entry fee for the Taj Mahotsav?
There is usually a small entry ticket for the festival grounds, with some evening programmes included. Fees and arrangements change each year, so check current status before you travel. It is a relaxed, family-oriented event rather than a ticketed concert.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
