Taj Mahotsav
One of the most famous festivals in Agra, Taj Mahotsav, is an annual event that lasts 10 days and is held in February. Uttar Pradesh Tourism organises it to showcase the region’s arts, crafts, culture, and cuisine. Ghazal and Mushairas (poetry) performances are the other highlights of this festival. For children, there are camel and elephant rides. The festival has many attractions, including Lucknow’s Chikankari, Badohi’s handcrafted carpets, Saharanpur’s wood carvings, Varanasi’s silk, and traditional dances like Rajasthan’s Sapera and Maharashtra’s Lavani.- Location: Shilpgram, near the Eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, Agra
- How to Reach: Shilpgram is easily accessible by local transport from any part of Agra.
- Date: Annually take place in February from 17 to 27
Bateshwar Fair
The town of Bateshwar is just 70 km from Agra. It is named after the presiding deity, Bateshwar Mahadeo. This town is known for its cultural and spiritual significance, with 108 temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The town hosts a month-long fair in October/November, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where thousands of devotees bathe in the Yamuna River. The event also includes a livestock and cattle fair.- Location: Bateshwar, 70 km from Agra
- How to Reach: You can reach Bateshwar from Agra by road, using buses and taxis (Ola/Uber). Many buses leave from the Idgah bus station and go directly to Bateshwar.
- Date: October/November
Ram Barat
Organised before Dussehra, Ram Barat is the special marriage procession of Lord Ram, which takes place every year with great enthusiasm. This festival is a part of Ramleela, which ends on the day of Dussehra when the Lord kills Ravana. Every year, a unique venue is decorated as the palace of Goddess Sita, Raja Janak’s Janakpuri. This venue becomes the base for the fair, which thousands of devotees visit to witness the royal wedding. The Ram Barat starts from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari and traverses the city’s lanes to the Janakpuri venue.- Location: Various locations in Agra, starting from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari
- Date: Before Dussehra, typically in September or October
Kailash Fair
Kailash Fair in Agra is held annually in August/September to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The festival celebrates Lord Shiva’s appearance as a stone lingam and is widely attended by the locals. Tourists visiting Agra during the monsoon can also participate in the fair.- Location: Kailash Temple, Sikandara, 12 km from Agra
- How to Reach: You will find many rickshaws, taxis, and buses to take you to Sikandra from Agra.
- Date: August/September
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