Major Events & Festivals in Āgra, India
1. Taj Mahotsav
Celebrated annually in February, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of India, with music, dance, art & crafts, traditional cuisine, and equestrian events.
- Cultural Immersion: A unique opportunity to immerse in the rich Indian culture.
- Art & Crafts Exhibition: An exhibition featuring traditional art and crafts from various regions of India.
- Food Festival: A variety of Indian cuisine, allowing visitors to taste the diversity of flavors across India.
2. Diwali at Agra Fort
The grand Diwali celebration at Agra Fort, with traditional Indian music and dance performances, fireworks, and the illumination of the fort.
- Historic Setting: Celebrating Diwali at a historic location like Agra Fort offers a unique experience.
- Fireworks Display: A mesmerizing fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
- Indian Culture Experience: Experience the vibrant Indian culture during the festival of Diwali.
3. Holika Dahan at Fatehpur Sikri
The traditional Holi celebration at Fatehpur Sikri, including the ritual of Holika Dahan and a vibrant Holi festival the following day.
- Historic Significance: Celebrating Holi at a UNESCO World Heritage Site adds historical significance.
- Community Participation: Community participation in the vibrant Holi festival, filled with colors and joy.
- Ritual of Holika Dahan: Witnessing the ancient ritual of Holika Dahan is a unique experience.
4. Agra Marathon
Annual marathon event in Agra, offering various distances for runners, showcasing the city's landmarks and rich history.
- City Exploration: Running through Agra allows participants to explore the city while staying active.
- Distance Options: Various distance options cater to runners of all levels and abilities.
- Historical Sites: Running past iconic sites like the Taj Mahal adds a unique touch to the event.
5. Mughal Food Festival at ITC Mughal
An annual festival celebrating the royal Mughal cuisine, offering a range of dishes prepared by master chefs.
- Royal Cuisine Experience: Experience the rich flavors and intricate cooking techniques of Mughal cuisine.
- Master Chef Demonstrations: Watch master chefs demonstrate their culinary skills during live demonstrations.
- Authentic Recipes: Taste authentic Mughal recipes, many of which have been passed down for generations.
6. Kite Flying Festival at Mehtab Bagh
An annual kite flying festival held in January at Mehtab Bagh, offering a beautiful sunset view of the Taj Mahal.
- Sunset View: Watching the sunset while enjoying the kite flying festival offers a unique experience.
- Competitive Kite Flying: Participate in competitive kite flying events or simply enjoy watching others fly their kites.
- Local Culture Experience: Experience the local culture and traditions associated with kite flying in India.
7. Makar Sankranti at Yamuna River
Celebrating Makar Sankranti at the Yamuna River, with traditional boat racing events and cultural performances.
- Riverfront Celebration: Celebrating Makar Sankranti by the river adds a unique, peaceful atmosphere.
- Traditional Boat Racing: Watching or participating in traditional boat racing events is an exciting experience.
- Cultural Performances: Enjoy cultural performances, music, and dance during the festival celebrations.
8. Agra Art Bazaar
A monthly art market in Agra, featuring local artists selling their handmade artwork and crafts.
- Artist Interaction: Interact directly with local artists and learn about their creative processes.
- Unique Artwork: Discover unique, handmade artwork and crafts that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Artistic Community: Support local artists by purchasing their work and contributing to the artistic community.
9. Agra Music Festival
An annual music festival in Agra featuring performances by Indian classical musicians and Western artists.
- Diverse Musical Performances: Enjoy a diverse range of musical performances from both Indian classical and Western genres.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience a cultural exchange between Indian classical music and Western artists.
- Music Workshops: Participate in music workshops to learn more about Indian classical music or other genres.
10. Agra Theater Festival
An annual theater festival showcasing plays and performances by local and international theater groups.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience a cultural exchange through the medium of theater with both local and international performers.
- Diverse Performances: Discover diverse performances ranging from traditional Indian to modern Western plays.
- Workshops & Talks: Attend workshops and talks led by professional theater artists for an educational experience.
11. Agra Photography Festival
An annual photography festival featuring exhibitions, workshops, and competitions for photographers.
- Photographic Education: Learn about photography through workshops, talks, and exhibitions during the festival.
- Talent Showcase: Showcase your own photography skills or appreciate the work of other talented photographers.
- Cultural Immersion: Capture the rich cultural heritage and landscapes of Agra through your lens.
12. Agra Food Festival
A food festival showcasing various regional cuisines from across India, with cooking demonstrations and food stalls.
- Culinary Education: Learn about Indian culinary traditions through live cooking demonstrations.
- Food Tasting: Taste a variety of regional cuisines from across India, many of which are unique to the region.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience a cultural exchange through the medium of food and culinary traditions.
13. Agra Dance Festival
An annual dance festival featuring performances by Indian classical dancers and contemporary dance groups.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience a cultural exchange through the medium of dance with both traditional and contemporary performers.
- Diverse Performances: Discover diverse performances ranging from Indian classical to modern contemporary dance.
- Workshops & Talks: Attend workshops and talks led by professional dancers for an educational experience.
14. Agra Craft Bazaar
A weekly craft market in Agra showcasing traditional handicrafts and artisanal products.
- Artisan Interaction: Interact directly with local artisans and learn about their unique crafting techniques.
- Unique Crafts: Discover unique, handcrafted products that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Community Support: Support local artisans by purchasing their crafts and contributing to the community.
15. Agra Sufi Music Festival
An annual music festival dedicated to Sufi music and poetry, featuring performances by renowned Sufi musicians.
- Spiritual Experience: Experience the spiritual and devotional aspects of Sufi music and poetry.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about Sufism, its culture, and traditions through music and poetry performances.
- Workshops & Talks: Attend workshops and talks led by Sufi musicians to deepen your understanding of their art form.