Uttar Pradesh tourism department is preparing itself for the silver jubilee celebrations of the annual Taj Mahatsov on the sidelines of the world famous Taj Mahal from February 18 to 27 next year.
A senior official told the Pioneer that due to the silver jubilee celebrations the coming Taj Festival would be a grand one with inclusion of either a Film or literature festival on the occasion.'
“The district officials have been asked to get ready for the Mahatsov and to include several other attractive programmes to lure the people,'' he said adding that the publicity for the Mahatsov would also start soon.
Taj Mahotsav is an annual 10 day feature from 18 to 27 February event at Shilpgram adjoining Taj Mahal. This festival invokes the memories of old Mughal era and nawabi style prevalent in Uttar Pradesh in 18th and 19th centuries.
About 1000 artisans from different parts of country get an opportunity to display their works of art including wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo/cane work from North East India, Paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, the marble and zardozi work from Agra, wood carving from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, hand made carpets from Bhadohi, Pottery from Khurja, Chikan work from lucknow, silk and zari work from Banaras, shawls and carpets from Kashmir/Gujarat and hand printing from Farrukhabad and Kantha stitch from West Bengal.
The festival starts with a road procession with decorated elephants and camels like victory processions of Mughal Emperors and warlords.
Drum beaters, trumpet players, folk dancers, skilled crafts men and artisans will also join the procession. rtists from all over the India come here to display their art and craftsmanship.
Entry ticket is for Rs 40 each with children below 10 are free.All foreign visitors have free entry in Taj Mahotsav.