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Pongal |
15
January
This four-day festival is one of the major
celebrations in India, with cities like Agra
focusing the celebrations on the second day, and is
celebrated more extensively in smaller villages.
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The Taj Mahotsav |
18 - 27 February
This is one of the most important and colourful
cultural festivals in India, and spans over 10 days.
It is held in the city of Shilpgram (nearby Taj
Mahal) and features the many arts, crafts and
culture of India, which includes traditional
culture-rich performances, camel and elephant rides
and an array of delicacies and activities for the
whole family.
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Holi |
22
March
Also know as `The Festival of Colours', this
festival is celebrated throughout India, where the
women try to hit the men with long bamboo sticks,
and the men use shield to protect themselves - along
with other unusual rituals filled with fun and good
spirit.
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Janmashtami |
28 August
This day celebrates Lord Krishna's birthday with
processions and performances, going on for days at a
time.
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Kailash Fair |
4
August
This fair is held at the town of Kailash, about 12 kms from
Agra, in honour of the Lord Shiva, who is believed
to have appeared in the shape of a stone lingam.
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Bateshwar Fair |
11 - 24 November
Bateshwar is an important spiritual and cultural
centre situated on the banks of river Yamuna, about
a few kilometres from Taj Mahal, containing 108
temples dedicated to the Hindu deities. This fair
includes a livestock market fair, as well as
devotees congregating from all parts of India to
take dips in the holy waters of the Yamuna River.
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Rambarat |
September - October (tba)
The Rambarat is a wedding procession starting
from Lala Channomaiji in Janakpuri and passes
through different parts of the town, in celebration
of Sri Ram's marriage during Ramlila celebrations in
Agra, and is held every year.
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Tansen Samaroh |
December (tba)
This festival marks the birth of India's most
celebrated classical vocalist, Miyan Tansen, who was
Emperor Akbar's favourite court performer. It is
held in the town of Gwalior near Agra where India's
best classical musicians performs together at his
tomb.
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