Plan Your Travel To Agra
Places To Visit In Agra
Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity
"There are no great things, only small things with great love" - Mother Teresa Mother Teresa is a woman beyond description, beyond words and beyond introduction. An Albanian by birth, she had been brought up by a single mother. On a yearly trip to the chapel of the Madonna of Letnice, she knew what her calling in life was, and that's when she decided she wanted nothing from the world but to provide peace and solace to those who were suffering. She moved to India in 1929; by 1931 she had taken her vows, and by the end of 1950, she had set up her first Missionaries of Charity. It was an honest effort to serve ?the hungry, the homeless, the naked, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared? and basically anyone and everyone who was in need of comfort or care.
At the time of her death in 1997, the Missionaries of Charity was operating in 123 countries on over 610 missions which included providing hospices to the homeless/ the ones diagnosed with AIDS/HIV or leprosy, in addition to operating several orphanages and schools and charity homes for the orphans and the elderly. One of these charity homes is based in Agra and goes by its staple name- Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. It works for the upbringing, well- being and education of the orphaned kids in addition to caring for the elderly and the homeless. We recommend you to stop by at the Missionaries centre for an hour or so, to pay respect to the commendable effort taken up by Mother Teresa and the ?mothers? who selflessly follow her. Spend some time with the unprivileged, share some smiles, and realise your many privileges. Take a tour of the premises and observe the unconditional love and nurturing that the nuns share with the kids and the elderly. If possible, leave a small donation and help make a huge difference for the good work to continue. If nothing, we promise you peace and extreme thankfulness, on your return.
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Ram Barat
The Ram Barat is a joyous and one of the most important festivals in Northern India held in September every year. Marked by a footfall of over 20 lakh people every year, this festival celebrates the divine marriage ceremony of Lord Rama by taking out his marriage procession and carrying out all the ceremonies related to marriage. Janakpuri, the bride's place, is elaborately decorated with lights and flowers for the royal wedding to welcome the procession. The entirety of the Ram Barat is a riot of religious processions, colours, lights and merry laughter at every corner.
Ram Barat 2023 - Date
The Ram Barat is held amidst the Ramleela Celebrations in the middle of October just before Dusshera.
Venue of Ram Barat
The venue for the Ram Barat is different every year. This venue is chosen from the many neighbourhoods in Agra.
Celebrations at Ram Barat - Events & Festivities
The Ram Barat is held at just about the end of Navratri season and before the start of Dussehra. The Ram Barat is made doubly special with the three-day procession that is the centre of attraction during the festival. This procession is meant to be a symbol of the wedding procession that took the bride-groom all the way to the Janak Mahal. The parade passes different neighbourhoods every year, and each of these neighbourhoods takes out their most extravagant decorations and put them up in with all splendour every single year. The chariots or "raths" are the centre of attention during the 8-kilometre long procession, along with the many individuals who are dressed up as different characters from the myth. Several bands also accompany the people joining the parade and heighten the merry atmosphere to that of trance-like happiness.
Artists dressed as Ram and LaxmanSource
Day 1 of Ram Barat
On the first day of the Ram Barat, all individuals gather at the starting point from where the festivities are deemed to have begun. It is the start of the three-day long procession that is, in all its glory, the Ram Barat. The cinema halls also run a live telecast far into the night instead of the locals wishing to catch a glimpse of the festivities. From here on, all events that are typical of a great Indian wedding can be seen carried out by the locals who participate in the Ram Barat.
Day 2 of Ram Barat
On the second day of the Ram Barat, the procession is said to pass the Agra Fort which is meant to be significant to the kingdom of King Janak, the father of Sita. On this day, the procession moves through many neighbourhoods, allowing the locals to witness the Barat and all its grandeur. All these neighbourhoods are decorated with colourful flowers, lights and all other decorations under the sun.
Day 3 of Ram Barat
The third day of the Ram Barat marks the final day of the long carnival-like scene you will witness in Agra. The day is also significant as the procession reaches its destination and all locals are dressed in their finest livery for the wedding and "vidai" or going away of the bride that takes place.
History of Ram Barat
As stated in recordings, the Ram Bharat has been celebrated for over one hundred and thirty years. This makes the festival as good as an annual tradition for the individuals living in the north of India. The Ram Bharat festivities were first initiated by Lala Kokamal and had since then been managed by the generations of the very family. Each year, the celebrations have been growing in number and are a source of pride as well as that of expressing sincere devotion to the religion and the myths of the Ramayana.
Ram Barat during DusseraSource
The Ram Barat is a time of happiness and celebration for entire North India. The Barat plays a significant part in strengthening people's belief and increases their bonds to the Indian Culture. The festival is one that is enjoyed by all, spectator and participators, and one that cannot be missed by any who is present in the vicinity during these months.
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Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Every year visitors numbering more than the entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking monument!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal stands for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. The tomb is laid out in a rectangular shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an arch and alcoves on either side of it. There are water channels and fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna is almost poetic in its perfection!Covering an area of approximately 42 Acres, the construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took 17 years before it was completed in 1648! It was constructed using white marble obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.
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Taj Mahotsav
Taj Mahotsav is an annual ten-day festival that takes place in Agra. The festival showcases an outstanding variety of art and craft, dance and cuisines of artisans from different regions of India. Kicked off in 1992, this festival provides the platform to the artisans from various states to display their exquisite works of art at the same time also making them available to the tourists at the most reasonable prices. Apart from that, the festival is also a paradise for, food aficionados with a supply of a plethora of varieties of cuisines, children with a Fun Fair in place and the appreciators of folk culture.
Taj Mahotsav 2023 Dates
2023 Taj Mahotsav will begin on Saturday, February 18 and ends on Monday, February 27.
Taj Mahotsav - Venue
Shilpgram district, Agra, India
Taj Mahotsav Theme of 2023
Dharohar
Taj Mahotsav - Ticket Price
- Adult: INR 50 per person-Children up to five years of age: No entry fee-Children from 5-10 years of age: INR 10 per person-A group of 100 School children: Rs. 500/- (Entry is free for two teachers with the School Group)-Foreign Tourist: No entry fee
About Taj Mahotsav Festival
Taj Mahotsav at AgraSource
A ten-day festival, Taj Mahotsav takes place every year in the Shilpgram district of Agra, India. The festival echoes the pristine memories of the old Mughal era and its royal empires. It also aims to resurrect the Nawabi style that marked the scenario of Uttar Pradesh in the 18th and 19th century.
Celebrated every year since 1992, the festival reflects upon the vibrance of art, craft, dance, music and cuisines of India. One can witness the flamboyance of Indian artisans, through their magnificent works, which can be bought at the most reasonable and authentic prices. The carnival adopts a theme every year to accentuate the rich culture and heritage of India. The theme for 2019 is 'Dharohar', which aims to celebrate India's grandeur of historical monuments.Taj Mahotsav is organised by the Tourism ministry of Uttar Pradesh near the Eastern Gate of the marvellous monument, Taj Mahal. Besides being a source to mount tourism in India, the festival is one of the most eagerly awaited. It is organised every year from 18th- 27th of February and this year's celebration will mark the festival's 31st anniversary.
Features Of Taj Mahotsav - Programs & Events
Taj Mahotsav celebrates the incredible work of Indian artisans and thus, is a repository of extensive art, enthralling artworks, mouth-watering cuisines and foot tapping dance and music. A perfect place for shopaholics, one can fill their bags with an array of things like elegant jewellery, traditional folk dresses, mind-blowing paintings and showpieces, lamps and exotic furniture, to name a few. The Fiesta provides an ultimate platform for artisans from various regions to display their meticulous craftsmanship. Around 400 people from different areas in India get an opportunity to present their vibrant work. The annual festival commences with a road procession of splendidly decorated camels and elephants, emulating the victory procession of Mughal emperors and Warlords of the bygone era.
Art and Craft
Taj Mahotsav presents a kaleidoscope of various crafts from all over India. It showcases beautiful artefacts from multiple regions like:- Wood carvings from Saharanpur,- Pottery from Khurja- Zardozi and marble work from Agra, - Chikan work from Lucknow.- Brass and metal wares from Moradabad, - Handmade carpets from Kashmir and Gujarat, - Silk and zari work from Benaras andIt also has a spectacular collection of hand-printed material from Farrukhabad and Bengal's well known Kantha stitch. The Crafts mela is one of the major attractions of Taj Mahotsav rekindling the majesty of Mughal empire.
Dance And Music
Folk Dance at Taj MahotsavSource
The carnival is renowned for its soul-stirring performances, brimming with enthusiasm and energy. The dance and musical acts that represent different walks of life are sure to cast an overwhelming spell on the viewer. One can enjoy the folk and classical music and traditional dances of various regions, especially the enthralling performance of Brij Bhumi, a folk dance performed in precisely the same way as it was years ago. Renowned artists from all over the world grace the occasion by their spellbound performances that are classical, semi-classical or popular. Besides, the folk dances in the Mahotsav are an initiative of Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society that employs different dance forms to help spread awareness about AIDS. Thus, the dance and musical acts are the cynosures of the whole carnival.
Cuisines
Taj Mahotsav takes delight in offering a lip-smacking variety of delicacies and hence is an excellent spot for foodies. With a plethora of delicious dishes to choose from, the place will pamper one's taste buds. The food festival also has a rich variety of food prepared from within the interiors of Uttar Pradesh that one can relish. One gets a chance to taste the most exotic cuisines from different parts of India while also enjoying the mesmerising aroma of the appetites being cooked.
Fun Fair
Camel Ride at Taj MahotsavSource
Taj Mahotsav is a festival that charms both adults and children alike. Children can delight themselves by various fun-filled rides like train rides, elephant and camel rides, roller coaster and Ferris wheel. The Mahotsav is profuse with thrill and amusement, thus making it a complete family entertainer.
Why Visit Taj Mahotsav?
The annual Taj Festival is an ideal spot to witness the excellent talent and artful craftsmanship of artisans in their respective field. Visitors get a chance to buy some of the most exquisite pieces and savour some of the most exotic delicacies of India. It is a perfect place to get a taste of India's rich heritage of handicraft, dance and music and cuisines. Besides, one can also enjoy the beauty of Taj Mahal, one of the monuments amongst the seven wonders of the world.
How To Reach Here?
One can reach here by any vehicle of their choice. The road connectivity to this area is very efficient. The nearest railway station to Taj Mahotsav is Agra Cantt. The place is also within 13 kms to Kheria airport, with many commercial flights connecting Delhi to Agra.Thus, The Taj Mahotsav is a cultural extravaganza that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. The lavish festival with all its pomp and show will render one a reminiscing experience.
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Taj Museum
Located inside the Taj Mahal complex, the Taj Museum was established in 1982 on the western ends of the Taj Gardens. The tiny but terrific depository is a double-storeyed building with a quadrangle projection outside. Situated a little left on the main gate of the mausoleum inside the Jal Mahal, the museum provides the wonderful opportunity to have a close look at the blueprints, arts and artefacts used in the construction of the world-class monument. It also houses paintings displaying the construction and planning of the graves of the Emperor and his Emperess and the angles measured are so, that the foot of the graves always faces the spectators.
As the name suggests, the museum is all about telling the tale of the Taj. It is a popular place of visit among the travellers as it is home to the facts and history relating to the magnificent monument. You can also find gold and silver coins minted in Agra at the time. We recommend you to visit the place if you are in for a little historical and factual retreat.
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Wildlife SOS
Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a non-profit organisation in India that rescues and rehabilitates wild animals and forests. It is known worldwide, especially for its efforts in rescuing sloth bears and elephants. Its Agra Bear Rescue Facility is the largest sloth bear rescue facility in the world housing 130 sloth bears. The Elephant Care and Conservation Centre, located halfway between Agra and Mathura, rescues and rehabilitates abused and captive elephants.
To visit any of the conservation facility of Wildlife SOS, email or phone in advance to book a time slot. There are 3-4 slots available per day. The package facilitates a guided tour of the area and the presentation of a well-informed documentary showcasing the rescue of dancing bears and their recovery.
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Jhangir Mahal
The residential palace of Jahangir Mahal, stands tall in the Agra Fort complex. Built by Akbar, in the 17th Century, this Red Sandstone marvel is a multi-storeyed palace with a series of courtyards running from north to south, along the eastern fort wall. The palace is located north of Akbari Mahal, another important Mughal marvel that now breathes in its ruins and faces the river Jamuna. One of the most popular tourist places in Agra, the Jahangir Mahal served as a private residence to Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir.
The Jahangir Mahal is one of the first buildings you would come across when you enter Agra through the Amar Singh Gate.
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Kalakriti Dance Drama Show
Staging the popular play of Mohobbat-e-Taj, Kalkriti Culture and Convention Centre is a must-visit in Agra. This theatrical performance narrates the tale of the Taj Mahal's origin and is located close to the wonder of India.
Visitors can purchase souvenirs from the shopping emporium that sells various handicrafts, jewelry and little mementoes from Agra and the rest of the country.
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