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| 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 |
Taj Mahotsav (Hindi: ताज महोत्सव,Urdu:تاج مہوتسو,translation:Taj Festival) is an annual 10-day (from 18 to 27 February) event at Shilpgram inAgra,India. This festival is inspired by the oldMughal era andnawabi style prevalent inUttar Pradesh in the 18th and 19th centuries. TheTaj 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, since 1992. 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.
About 400 artisans from different parts of India display their works of art. These include wood/stone carvings fromTamil Nadu, bamboo/cane work from North East India, paper mash work from South India andKashmir, marble and zardozi work fromAgra, wood carving fromSaharanpur, brass wares fromMoradabad, hand-made carpets fromBhadohi, pottery from Khurja, Chikankari work fromLucknow, silk and Zari work fromBanaras, shawls and carpets fromKashmir/Gujarat, hand printing fromFarrukhabad, and Kantha stitch fromWest Bengal. Various film production and media houses in Bollywood, like Dhaivat Records & Productions, also participate and manage artists in Mahotsav.[citation needed]
The Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 to promote the local artisans and traditions ofAgra.
The festival starts with a road procession which includes decorated elephants and camels to imitate the victory processions ofMughal 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]
TheUttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society understands the importance of the event and uses different folk dances to campaign about AIDS awareness.[citation needed]
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]
Tourist attractions in and nearAgra | ||
|---|---|---|
| World Heritage Sites |  | |
| Mughal architecture | ||
| Mosques | ||
| Other religious places | ||
| Shopping | ||
| Gardens | ||
| Wildlife sanctuaries | ||
| Fairs | ||