Taj Mahotsav

Taj Mahotsav
Native name	ताज महोत्सव
English name	Taj Festival
Date	18 February - 27 February
Duration	10 days
Location	Shilpgram, Agra
Motive	To promote the local artisans and traditions of Agra
Organized by	Taj Mahotsav Committee, Agra
Website	tajmahotsav.org

Taj Mahotsav (Hindi: ताज महोत्सव, Urdu: تاج مہوتسو, translation: Taj Festival) is an annual 10-day (from 18 to 27 February) event at Shilpgram in Agra, India. This festival is inspired by the old Mughal era and nawabi style prevalent in Uttar Pradesh in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Taj Mahal is recognized as a significant example of Mughal architecture and is considered a prominent historical site in India. Each year, the Taj Mahotsav, orchestrated by the Taj Mahotsav Committee,^[1] unveils a 10-day carnival. This carnival offers a platform to experience a variety of Indian arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance, and music, allowing visitors to explore the diverse aspects of the nation.

Arts and crafts

About 400 artisans from different parts of India 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, hand-made carpets from Bhadohi, pottery from Khurja, Chikankari 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 and media houses in Bollywood, like Dhaivat Records & Productions, also participate and manage artists in Mahotsav. ^{[citation needed]}

History

The Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 to promote the local artisans and traditions of Agra.

Culture

The festival starts with a road procession which includes decorated elephants and camels to imitate 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 craftsmanship. ^{[citation needed]}

Initiatives

The Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society understands the importance of the event and uses different folk dances to campaign about AIDS awareness. ^{[citation needed]}

Theme

Every year the Taj Mahotsav is celebrated with a message or theme for the world. In 2017, the theme for Taj Mahotsav was "विरासत की छाँव में" ("In the shadow of Heritage"). Through this theme, the whole heritage of the zone, which provides a backdrop to the festival, is stressed.

2022 - The theme of year 2022 was Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav sang, Taj key rang.^[2]

Entry and tickets

Entry Ticket mandatory (children under age 10 are free).^[3]
All foreign visitors have fee entry.^[4]

References

^ "Taj Mahotsav". utsav.gov.in. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
^ "Agra: Taj Mahotsav to begin from March 20 | Check dates, theme and other details". India Today. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^ "Taj Mahotsav Entry : Ticket Fees & Timing of Taj Mahotsav Agra in India". www.tajmahotsav.org. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
^ "Taj Mahotsav Entry : Ticket Fees & Timing of Taj Mahotsav Agra in India". www.tajmahotsav.org. Retrieved 3 December 2023.

External links

[1] "Taj Mahotsav". utsav.gov.in. Retrieved 3 December 2023.

[2] "Agra: Taj Mahotsav to begin from March 20 | Check dates, theme and other details". India Today. Retrieved 24 October 2023.

[3] "Taj Mahotsav Entry : Ticket Fees & Timing of Taj Mahotsav Agra in India". www.tajmahotsav.org. Retrieved 3 December 2023.

[4] "Taj Mahotsav Entry : Ticket Fees & Timing of Taj Mahotsav Agra in India". www.tajmahotsav.org. Retrieved 3 December 2023.

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