This year Holi is being celebrated on 8^th March 2023. In recent times, Holi celebrations have gone truly global, thanks to the Indian diaspora around the world.

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In India, Holi is synonymous with playing with colours, pichkaris (water guns), water balloons, and gorging on indulgent festive food (thandai, bhang, gujia, dahi bhallas, among others). It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a celebration of love, harmony, and oneness.

Holi celebrations span over two days starting on the evening of Phalugun Purnima (full moon day) with Holika Dahan followed by Rangwali Holi also known as Dhulandi on the next day.

The Legends Behind Holi

Holi has its fair share of mythologically significant stories which tell how the festival came into being.

King Hiranyakashyap and Prahlad

Among the many legends associated with the festival of Holi is the story of the demon King Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad from Hindu mythology.

King Hiranyakashyap for his severe penance was granted a boon that he could not be killed by any man or animal. Believing that he was immortal, the king forced people to worship him. However, his son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu refused to do so. Acting out of anger and spite, the demon king asked his sister Holika to kill him.

Holika had the boon of protection against fire, so she took Prahlad into a fire pyre thinking Prahlad would burn and she would remain unscathed. But the opposite happened.

Prahlad for his devotion and faith remained unharmed and Holika was burnt to ashes. Later, Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar, killed the demon King Hiranyakashyap signifying the victory of good over evil.

Holika Dahan Celebrations

For Holika Dahan (‘Burning of Holika’) celebrations on the eve of Holi, a bonfire is lit and people perform rituals while offering prayers for the internal evil in all of us to be destroyed. Devotees complete the prayers by walking around the bonfire three, five, or seven times along with vessels of water.

Lord Krishna and Radha

Another popular legend associated with Holi is of the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is said that Lord Krishna, conscious of his dark skin colour, worried if Radha would accept him.

He sought the advice of his mother, Yashoda, who suggested that he colour Radha in any colour he liked. In his mischievousness, Lord Krishna smeared colours on Radha’s face and professed his love for her.

Playing with colours in Holi commemorates the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha and is the most loved tradition of the festival of colours.

In Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Nandagaon, and Gowardhan, places related to Lord Krishna, Holi celebrations have a different fervour and enthusiasm.

Another Holi celebration in India that stands out is the Lathmar Holi in Barsana, the home of goddess Radha. Women hitting men with lath (sticks) as men try to shield themselves is a part of the celebrations here.

Holi Celebrations with Colours

On the day of Holi, people play with colours and smear each other in a riot of colours. Water guns, water-filled balloons, music, and dance makes for an exuberant atmosphere and everyone is a fair game to colour.

It’s common for people to say – bura na mano holi hai (‘Don’t mind it’s Holi’) while drenching others (even strangers) with colours. People dance to the Holi songs with the ever popular ‘rang barse’ still staying at the top of the charts.

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It is customary for people to visit friends and family and come together to eat, drink and partake in Holi delicacies.

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Taj Mahal is the epitome of love and devotion and is one of the World’s Seven Wonders. Just as the monument forms an intrinsic part of India’s cultural heritage, the Taj Mahotsav, a nine-day carnival, is the culmination of the nation’s incredible spirit.

It is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals, organized by the Taj Mahotsav Committee and presented by Commissioner Agra Division Agra.

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About Taj Mahotsav

Since its inception in 1992, this cultural celebration has grown tremendously in splendour and scope. The festival is filled with rich arts, crafts, cuisine, dance and music. Live performances by renowned artists from various parts of India are a major tourist attraction.

A primary goal of the event is to showcase and advance indigenous art forms. The festival offers a platform for renowned artisans from various regions of the country to exhibit their exceptional works of art.

The festival also features classical music and dance performances such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi. You can also enjoy folk performances from different states of India, such as Bhangra from Punjab, Garba from Gujarat, and Bihu from Assam.

In addition to serving as a prime destination for arts and crafts, the Mahotsav is a haven for food enthusiasts, providing a perfect opportunity to indulge in a wide array of delectable dishes.

The festival has a large food court that serves a variety of traditional delicacies from different parts of the country. The local delicacies such as chaat, kebabs, biryani, and sweets are a treat to the foodie in you.

The festival also has a craft bazaar that showcases a wide range of handicrafts from different states of India. You can purchase valuable souvenirs from the artists, such as pottery, textiles, jewellery, and paintings, directly.

The funfair is a major draw for children at the festival and provides wholesome entertainment for the entire family. Teenagers and adults can enjoy an array of exhilarating rides and roller coasters, while younger children can delight in gentler rides such as the merry-go-round, train rides, and Ferris wheel.

Bring your family & friends to the Taj Mahotsav and enjoy a fun day together.

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Event Details

Date: 20 February – 1 March 2023

Venue:  Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of “Taj Mahal”.

Entry Fee:

• Adult : Rs. 50/- (per Person)
• (Up to 5 years ) – Free
• Foreign Tourist : Free
• For the group of 100 School children in school uniform, Rs. 500/-
• (free entry for 2 teachers with School Group)

For more details about the events click the below:

Taj Mahotsav 2023

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