10-day Taj Mahotsav begins today
AGRA :With performance of over 1,800 artistes and colourful gathering of 350 artisans from different states, the 27th Taj Mahotsav is expected to be a grand show here at the Shilpgram. Beginning from February 18, the 10-day cultural extravaganza’s theme this year is ‘dharohar’ (heritage).
The festival of art, craft and culture will conclude on February 27. In order to attract more foreign tourists to the venue, the entry has been made free for them.
“Continuing since 1992, Taj Mahotsav now has a fixed schedule and has found place in ‘Calendar of Events’ by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. For selecting the theme, entries were invited from locals and the winning entry was rewarded. The theme ‘dharohar’ (heritage) was selected for this year,” said Dinesh Kumar, the official from state tourism department while addressing the media at Shilpgram on Saturday.
“Taj Mahotsav is organised to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India to attract more tourists. The Mahotsav serves as meeting venue for artisans from different states and this year 350 artisans including those from states of Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh would present their creations,” said K Rama Mohan Rao, the commissioner of Agra Division.
“The woodcraft of Saharanpur, pashmina shawls from Jammu and Kashmir, terracotta of Gurgaon, kantha saree from West Bengal, silk saree from Varanasi and Bihar, carpet of Bhadoi, chikan work of Luc- know, anwla trade of Pratapgarh, cane furniture of Assam, crockery of Khurja, bone craft from Sambhal, phulkari from Punjab are to be the highlights of stalls at Taj Mahaotsav,” said the commissioner. Cultural programmes will be organised at Sur Sadan hall, open air stage at Sadar Bazar, Agra College ground, and Paliwal Park apart from Shilpgram. But all eyes would be at Gyarah Siddi in the backdrop of Taj Mahal where three-day ‘Incredible Taj Concerts’ will be held. The event will conclude with fashion show on February 25 based on traditional braj and Mughal costumes. Entry ticket for Shilpgram will cost Rs 50 for adults and children upto 5 years of age will be granted free entry. A group of 100 students in uniform can have concessional entry of Rs 500 and ticket for children till age of 10 years will be Rs10.