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Come February and it's springtime! The time
of the year when nature dawns all it's
colorful splendour and Agra bursts into
colorful celebrations. For 10 days there is
a sheer celebration of Uttar Pradesh's rich
heritage of arts, crafts, culture, cuisine,
dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsava
time again. There are festivities all around
and Agra truly puts on the colors of joy and
gets transformed into one non stop carnival.
Organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, and held
as an annual event at Shilpgram, literally
next door to the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav
is indeed a fitting tribute to the legendary
skills of matercraftsmen and exponents of
art, music and cuisine. Not only this, it is
also a gentle peep into the rich heritage
and extraordinary legacies of this wonderful
land.
The festivities commence with a spectacular
procession inspired by Mughal splendour.
Bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters,
folk artists and mastercraftsmen.... all
help to recreate a visual delight
reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal
Darbars.
Taj Mahal - Agra
Taj Mahotsav is where the legendary artisans
and mastercraftsmen breathe life into their
exquisite works of art. Marble inlay apart,
the Festival brings forth an array of other
fine crafts as well- wood carvings from
Saharanpur, brass and other metalwasre from
Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the
blue pottery of Khurja, the Chikan work of
Lucknow, the silk of Banares... to name a
few. Agra with its legendry tradition of
exquisite craftmenship is thus the ideal
venue for holding a crafts fair like the Taj
Mahotsav.
At the Mahotsav, be sure to be a part of the
Food Festival. Relish the exotic cuisine's
and delicacies prepared by some of the
oldest exponents and the typical
preparations from the interiors of Uttar
Pradesh.
Throughout the Mahotsav, one can experience
a profusion of folk music and dances of
Dundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera'
dance of Rajasthan, Lavani of Maharashtra....
performed just the way they used to be
centuries ago.
Agra is renowned for it's breathtaking,
centuries old monuments. For experiencing
the pomp and glory of the eras gone by there
are classical performances held at these
ageless sites, recreating the splendor and
ambience once associated with Mughal
monarchs. |
