Agra Local Customs

The interior of the Taj Mahal is indeed very beautiful with more inlaid marble, a decorative tile floor and delicated jalis or pierced screens surrounding the cenotaph. HOWEVER - there are not only several signs up asking you not to take photographs within the tomb, the guards at the entrance reinforce this message. I was quite disturbed to see how many people were completely ignoring this request and taking flash photo after flash photo. This is a tomb. Please be respectful and remember that. It would have be a peaceful and reflective place if not for the behaviour of a few thoughtless tourists.

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I guess many things have changed in India since my visit, after so many years of galloping economic growth. However, in 2003, they still used this archaic yet charming method to mow the lawns in the perfectly manicured gardens of the Taj Mahal.

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Come February and it's springtime. The time of the year when nature dawns all it's colorful splendour and Agra bursts into colorful celebrations. For 10 days there is a sheer celebration of Uttar Pradesh's rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsava time again. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colors of joy and gets transformed into one non stop carnival. Organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, and held as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is indeed a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of matercraftsmen and exponents of art, music and cuisine. Not only this, it is also a gentle peep into the rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wonderful land.
The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendour. Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and mastercraftsmen.... all help to recreate a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars.

Bateshwar lies on the banks of the Yamuna river around 70kms from Agra. During the October and November there is a large fair which happens between Shashtki of Kartik month to Panchami of Agrahayan month. Because Bateshwar is an important cutural and spiritual centre, devotees come to the town en-mass to worship Lord Shiva and also take holiday dips in the Yamuna River. The usual market atmosphere is around and some serious buying and selling of livestock also takes place.

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The best time to visit Agra is winter when the temperatures range from a low of 4.2C to 31.7C. The summer months can get very hot and up to 45C. I was there in the first half of April and it was getting pretty hot there during the middle of the day but still comfortable. Agra lies 169 metres above sea level.

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Rambarat is the marriage procession held in Agra during Ramlila (or Ramleela) every year. The 10 day event celebrates the marriage Sri Ram. The town is richly decorated and a procession of Jhankis and Swaroops of Ram-Lakshaman passes through various parts of the town mounted on elephants with a new location being chosen each year

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During August and September you will find the Kailash Fair which is celebrated for Lord Shiva who is believed to appeared in this area in the form of a stone lingam. Kailash is about 12 kms from Agra.

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Shilpgram holds the Taj Mahotsav festival every year in February. There is entertainment in the form of classical dancing and folk music, arts and crafts, camel and elephant rides as well plenty of good food with a food festival being incorporated. The event last for 10 days. Shilpgram is about 1 km from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal