In a historic decision that marks the end of a 34-year tradition, Agra's beloved Taj Mahotsav is getting a new home. The annual cultural extravaganza will shift from its longtime venue at Shilpgram for the first time since its inception, bringing both excitement and change to one of Uttar Pradesh's most celebrated festivals.
A New Chapter Begins
Divisional Commissioner Shailendra Kumar Singh has officially approved moving the festival to expansive open grounds near the popular 'I Love Agra' selfie point. This significant change comes as renovation work at Shilpgram continues to be underway, prompting the festival committee to seek an alternative location that can accommodate the event's scale and grandeur.
The decision was finalized during a crucial meeting held on Saturday, where tourism officials presented comprehensive proposals covering dates, venue options, and thematic elements. Commissioner Singh has directed the tourism department, district magistrate, and DCP to conduct a joint inspection of the proposed site, ensuring all arrangements meet the festival's high standards.
What Visitors Can Expect
The 10-day festival will run from February 18 to February 27, maintaining its traditional timing while offering a completely new experience. For the first time in its history, the Taj Mahotsav will be hosted in an open field setting, providing a fresh atmosphere for both artisans and visitors.
Ticket pricing remains accessible to all, with entry fees staying at Rs 50 for visitors above three years of age. However, stall owners in the craft bazaar will see approximately 10% increase in stall fees, reflecting the enhanced facilities and location. Parking arrangements have been designated at the Kalakriti grounds to manage the expected crowds efficiently.
Expanded Cultural Experience
This year's festival promises a more distributed cultural experience across multiple Agra locations. Cultural programmes will extend beyond the main venue to include Sadar Bazaar, the selfie point area, Gyarah Sidi, Fatehpur Sikri and Bateshwar. This expansion aims to showcase Agra's diverse cultural landscape while reducing congestion at the primary venue.
The administration is taking an inclusive approach by inviting public suggestions for theme ideas, with the best proposal becoming the official theme for the 2026 edition. Officials have been instructed to finalize performance locations and expedite the selection of headline artists to ensure a memorable experience for all attendees.
Senior officials have been tasked with conducting thorough site inspections and upgrading public facilities. The committee plans to issue tenders in early December for lighting, decor, publicity, and artist selection. Security and traffic management teams have received directives to complete preparations well in advance, ensuring smooth movement and adequate parking facilities for the thousands of expected visitors.
The festival committee also discussed expanding sponsorship opportunities and strengthening overall infrastructure, indicating a commitment to making this transition successful and setting new standards for future editions of the iconic Taj Mahotsav.
