Though Agra remains staple for most tourist circuits that cover the best of India, there is another reason to visit the city in February -- The Taj Mahotsav , a 10 day celebration of art, crafts, cuisines, dance and music by the eastern gate of the wonder itself. Held annually in the historic city of Agra (where lies the majestic Taj Mahal), the Taj Mahotsav is perhaps one of the most spectacular and celebrated events in Indian calendar. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, this festival pays due respect to the matchless cultural heritage of the state and the country as a whole. One can see this event as a concise and compact representation of the Indian cultural diversity that is coated in the fabric of a 5,000 year old history and mythology.
It is a time when the best of India's arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music comes to the fore in manner that is hard to pass by. The creme de la creme of Indian folk artists, musicians, dramatists and other artisans gather at the 10 days celebration and enliven the environment. A great time indeed, for the ones who possesses a soft corner for the classical and folk arts.
Shopping options are plenty during Taj Mahotsav as the entire event scene assumes the look of a small market where you can shop among handicrafts, antiques, woodwork, ivory work and other specialty items of India. As a natural consequence, this fiesta remains a major tourist attraction for the town of Agra.
