Agra Local Customs

 
by Jim_Eliason
 
  •   Local Customs
    by Jim_Eliason
  •   Local Customs
    by Jim_Eliason
  • Dasarat bhawan
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    by RAJASTHANBYCAR
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Most Recent Local Customs in Agra

Cows
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solopes 3902 reviews
Agra - India
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Tired of seeing cows doing what they want, wherever they want, I was surprised when I saw two of them, in the Taj Mahal, tied to a car... working! Wrong impression - caws worked in the old Portugal, not in India. They were buffaloes, of course.

It's hard to a western guy to understand that difference between both animals, and reading doesn't help much.

It seems that the cult of cow comes from the Vedic times, when a celestial caw Kamadhenu, supplied to the owner all the needed milk, and became the mythological nourisher of all the earth.
However, buffalo milk seems to be better than caw milk so why the difference?

I read that injuring a caw is (or was) in India a serious crime, more serious than killing a person. Do you imagine my concern when, in Gwalior, a small cow decided to attack Fernanda, and I had to interpose myself?

Everything ended with a small scratch in my left hand, and I didn't even think about disinfection, because it was a blessed scratch. Or not?

My God! It's hard to adapt to so different cultures.

Updated Jun 19, 2012

Related to:
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 Castles and Palaces
 Historical Travel

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Be respectful
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illumina 1045 reviews

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.

Written Apr 18, 2010

Related to:
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Mowing the Lawn
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DanielF 2936 reviews
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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.

Updated Jan 17, 2008

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Taj Festival 18 to 27 Feb Every Year
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RAJASTHANBYCAR 806 reviews
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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.

Updated Feb 4, 2007

Related to:
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Bateshwar Fair, Agra
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keeweechic 10971 reviews

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.

Written Nov 28, 2006

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 Architecture

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Climate
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keeweechic 10971 reviews
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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.

Written Nov 28, 2006

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Rambarat
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keeweechic 10971 reviews
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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

Written Nov 24, 2006

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 Arts and Culture
 Road Trip

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Kailash Fair
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keeweechic 10971 reviews
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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.

Written Nov 24, 2006

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Festival of Agra
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keeweechic 10971 reviews
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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

Written Nov 24, 2006

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Be respectful when visiting Taj & Fatehpur Sitri
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Restless-in-kl 428 reviews

You will need to remove your shoes when walking inside the Taj and certain areas of Fatehpur Sitri. Remember to wear socks as the marble at the Taj gets really hot in summer. Socks will also ensure your feet stay clean.

Wear simple walking shoes, keep the expensive ones at home.

Written Aug 7, 2005

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