Taj Mahotsav
Taj Mahotsav is being celebrated successfully since 1992 in Agra in the month of February for ten days, from 18th February to 27th February. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, Taj Mahotsav is mainly dedicated to the promotion of country’s rich art and craft, culture, cuisine, dance and music. In fact, it serves as an acknowledgment to the craftsmen as well as the exponents of art, music and cuisine from all over the country. A large number of Indian and foreign tourists coming to Agra join this festivity of multi facets. The venue of the festival of Taj Mahotsav is Shilpgram, which is a stone’s throw away distance from Taj Mahal. The festival starts with a procession, including bejeweled elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen. A major highlight of this festival is the availability of fabulous works of art and craft at the most authenticated prices that are not sky rocketed by high maintenance cost.
Arts and crafts:–
About 400 artisans from different parts of India get an opportunity to display their works of art. These include wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, bamboo/cane work from North East India, paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, marble and zardozi work from Agra, wood carving from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, handmade carpets from Bhadohi, pottery from Khurja, Chikan work from Lucknow, silk and zari work from Banaras, shawls and carpets from Kashmir/Gujarat, hand printing from Farrukhabad and Kantha stitch from West Bengal.Various film production & media house of bollywood like Dhaivat Records & Productions also participates and manages artists in Mahotsav.
Culture:–
The festival starts with a road procession with decorated elephants and camels like the victory processions of Mughal emperors and warlords. Drum beaters, trumpet players, folk dancers, skilled craftsmen and artisans also join the procession. Artists from all over India come here to display their art and craftmanship.
Initiatives:–
The Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society understands the importance of the event and uses different folk dances to campaign about AIDS awareness.
After a hiatus due to COVID-19 this year, the annual 10-day cultural extravaganza, Taj Mahotsav, will be held from February 18 to 28 in 2022.Agra is home to 3 UNESCO Heritage Sites that draws major tourist footfalls throughout the year. If you are planning to visit Agra in February 2022, take on one more reason to visit Agra – The Taj Mahotsav Festival. Wondering what it is? Scroll on to know everything about Taj Mahotsav 2022 in Agra.
Presented by
Mrs. Sweta Aglawe (Primary Department)