If you want to combine heritage and fun for your autumn holiday, make your way to Agra for the month-long Taj Carnival. This new festival project began on October 17 and will continue until November 10. The major attraction of this event will be the five-day hot air balloon ride experiences.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Agra division, Ritu Maheshwari, at a recent press conference. Maheshwari underlined that the goal is to encourage holistic tourism development while increasing the length of stay for tourists in Agra.
Aside from the well-known Taj Mahotsav in February, Agra used to host the Sharadotsav celebrations in October. This signaled the start of the tourist season in Agra, which lasts from October to March each year. While the Taj Mahotsav has an admission price, the Taj Carnival is free to all attendees. The event will be held at Shilpagram, an art and crafts complex.
Visitors can enjoy delicious food at the 59 food stalls, which will serve Braj, Rajasthani, Awadhi, Mughlai, Gujarati, and South Indian delicacies. They can also enjoy the variety of crafts at the festival, from pottery to wood carving, and more. A rich cultural dimension will be added by music, folk dances, and other cultural events. Because this year is the International Year of Millets, the festival will showcase millet products as well. A dandia dance performance at Zonal Park will add to the festivities. The festival's main draw will be the hot air balloon rides spanning five days (beginning October 17) and running from 11 am to 11 pm.
Where: Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal, Agra
When: October 17 to November 10
Getting There: The nearest airport is the Taj Mahal International Airport in Agra. The nearest railheads are Agra Cantt. and Agra Fort stations. Agra is around 205 km by road from Delhi. Bus services and private vehicles from the capital are other viable options for reaching the destination.