Taj Mahotsav 2026 Inaugurated with Grand Ceremony in Agra
The historic city of Agra, renowned globally as the home of the Taj Mahal, witnessed the vibrant inauguration of the 34th Taj Mahotsav 2026 today. This marks the commencement of a ten-day extravaganza dedicated to celebrating India's rich art, craft, and cultural heritage. The festival is scheduled to run from February 18 to February 27, 2026.
New Venue and Inaugural Highlights
In a significant departure from tradition, the festival venue has been relocated from Shilpgram to a spacious open ground on Fatehabad Road. This change provides visitors with a larger, more open, and digitally enhanced cultural arena. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Union Minister S P Singh Baghel, along with Cabinet Ministers Baby Rani Maurya and Yogendra Upadhyay, who officially launched the event.
Theme and Cultural Focus
This year's Taj Mahotsav unfolds under the inspiring theme 'Vande Mataram – Tradition and Pride of the Nation'. The festival aims to showcase the diversity and pride of Indian traditions through various artistic expressions and crafts.
Extensive Craft and Product Displays
The event will host an impressive 500 stalls featuring skilled craftsmen from across the country. A special emphasis is placed on Uttar Pradesh's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, with dedicated stalls from 50 districts. These stalls will display a wide array of traditional crafts, handlooms, khadi fabrics, jute products, and local culinary delicacies, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the state's artisanal wealth.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Evening Performances
A cutting-edge open-air digital stage has been constructed at the venue, equipped with international-grade light and sound systems. The stage can accommodate over 4,000 spectators. Each evening will feature themed cultural programs, including:
- Bollywood Night
- Sufi Night
- Comedy Night
Renowned singers Neeraj Shridhar and Madhubanti Bagchi are set to headline the musical evenings, while popular comedian Krishna Abhishek will entertain the audience with his performances.
Expanded Festival Footprint and Local Talent
To broaden the festival's reach, special events have been organized at historical sites beyond the main venue. A qawwali performance by Nizami Bandhu is scheduled at Fatehpur Sikri, and a bhajan evening by Mishra Bandhu will take place at the historic Bateshwar Temple.
The festival also serves as a major platform for local and Braj artists, who were selected through rigorous auditions. These artists will perform daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with celebrity performances following in the evenings.
Tourism and Recreational Activities
Several tourism-centric activities have been planned to enhance the festival experience:
- Bike and car rallies from February 20 to 22
- 'Agra Beyond Taj' seminar
- Yamuna Maha Aarti
- Nature and Wildlife Exhibition organized by the forest department
Ticketing and Security Arrangements
Entry tickets have been priced at ₹50 for adults, while foreign tourists and children below three years of age will enjoy free entry. A special group ticket priced at ₹700 has been introduced for schoolchildren in uniform, applicable for groups of 50.
To ensure smooth crowd management, six ticket counters have been established at the venue. Security measures include the deployment of 200 police personnel and extensive CCTV surveillance across the festival grounds.
Official Statement and Objectives
Regional Tourism Officer and Taj Mahotsav Organising Committee Secretary Shakti Singh emphasized the festival's objectives. The primary aim is to provide Uttar Pradesh's artisans with a global platform while offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience that highlights the state's heritage and craftsmanship.
The Taj Mahotsav 2026 promises to be a landmark event, blending traditional arts with modern amenities to create a memorable celebration of Indian culture in the shadow of the iconic Taj Mahal.
