Tourism leaders push for linking North India’s grandest Ramayana-themed celebration to the city’s global visitor circuit
Agra. Manvendar malhotra.When the world thinks of Agra, the Taj Mahal inevitably takes center stage. But beyond the marble mausoleum lies a city with a living heritage — one that bursts into vibrant life each year with Janakpuri, North India’s most elaborate Ramayana-themed celebration.
For generations, Agra’s Janakpuri has transformed the city into an open-air stage of mythology, craftsmanship, and devotion. Yet, for millions of tourists — both domestic and international — the event remains invisible, overshadowed by the Taj. Now, local tourism leaders are asking: Can Janakpuri be positioned as Agra’s next big cultural draw?
A Living Epic
Unlike typical festivals, Janakpuri is a full-scale retelling of the Ramayana, complete with grand tableaux, illuminated chariots, and intricately crafted sets. “Janakpuri isn’t just an event — it’s a living, breathing epic,” says Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association. “Every float, every light, every scene transports visitors into the magical world of the Ramayana. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a festival for the soul.”
Chauhan believes linking Janakpuri to Agra’s international tourism circuit would give the city a new cultural identity beyond Mughal-era monuments. “Most of the millions who visit the Taj each year rarely experience Agra’s living traditions. Janakpuri, North India’s grandest celebration, deserves to be on the tourist map. Doing so will strengthen the city’s cultural brand and give local artisans and businesses new opportunities,” he adds.
A Missed Opportunity
The idea isn’t entirely new. Deepak Dan, president of the Tourist Guides Association, recalls an experiment from nearly a decade ago:
““We arranged for foreign tourists to watch the Ram Baraat from a rooftop near Mankameshwar temple. They were spellbound by the tableaux. Many went back home talking about Agra’s culture, not just the Taj. The impact was incredible.”
A similar initiative was taken in 2011 by Janakpuri organiser Sarv Prakash Kapoor, popularly known as Shauki.
“That year, we made special arrangements for tourists — even buses to comfortably bring them to the venue. They were amazed by the scale and storytelling of the celebration. We need to recreate that magic,” he says.
But despite these successes, no sustained effort has been made to integrate Janakpuri into Agra’s tourism ecosystem.
Three Steps Forward
Tourism stakeholders are now suggesting a practical roadmap:
Curated Cultural Tours: Visitors could complement their Taj experience with guided evening tours of Janakpuri’s illuminated floats, traditional performances, and festive bazaars.
Digital Outreach: QR-coded invitations and digital campaigns at airports, railway stations, and hotels could keep tourists informed about festival dates and highlights.
Instagram-Ready Spaces: With social media driving travel choices, Janakpuri’s installations could be designed for maximum visual appeal, encouraging visitors to share their experience online.
Why It Matters
Agra attracts millions each year, but most stay within the familiar “Golden Triangle” circuit of the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort. Stakeholders argue that diversifying the city’s cultural offerings will not only lengthen visitor stays but also distribute economic benefits more widely.
“Agra’s heritage is not frozen in marble,” says Chauhan. “Our living traditions are just as important as our monuments. Janakpuri gives tourists a chance to engage with the city’s vibrant, contemporary cultural life.”
For artisans and small businesses, the impact could be transformative. More visitors mean more opportunities to showcase crafts, cuisine, and local hospitality. “Festivals like Janakpuri are not just spectacles; they’re engines of community livelihood,” adds Dan.
A Cultural Heartbeat Waiting to Be Heard
As Agra looks to reimagine its place on the global tourism map, stakeholders say Janakpuri offers a compelling narrative: a city that honours its past while celebrating its living traditions.
For now, the question remains: will Janakpuri finally step out from the Taj Mahal’s shadow and claim its place as Agra’s next cultural heartbeat?
Very good opinion