|
 It
was celebration time at Agra once again. Yes,
it was the great Taj Mahotsav with the splendid
Taj Mahal as the backdrop happening again.
Organized by the U.P. Tourism, this annual
event is held at Shilpgram, (near Taj Mahal).
The Taj Mahotsav is a way of paying tribute
to the legendary skills of the craftsmen and other
exponents of art. The festivity commenced with a spectacular
procession inspired by mughal splendor. Ornamented
majestic elephants and camels, drum beaters, recreated
an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden era of the
mughals.
 The
Taj Mahotsav was a visual delight with the
whole place lighted up with various cultures forming
a colourful blend. Craftsmen from all over the country
had set up their stalls. The Taj which is symbolic
of supreme art, was celebrated in the festival. Around
10,000 people had come to witness the splendour of
the mega event.
Mohhamad Akbar, a participant, had come all the way
from Kashmir to participate in the utsav.
He says, "It is better than the Suraj
Kund mela."
Artisans and master craftsmen had participated to
display their talents. People had come all the way
from Calcutta, Rajasthan, Karnataka to display
their products. The festival brought forth an array
of other fine crafts as well - wood carvings
from Saharanpur, brass and other metalware of Moradabad,
handmade carpets of Badohi, the blue pottery of Khurja
and silk sarees of Banaras.
 Throughout
the Mahotsav, there was a profusion of folk music
and dance - folk dances of Bundelkhand, sapera
dance of Rajasthan, raaslila of brijbhoomi,
nautanki Gharwali and many more performed
just the way it used to be, centuries ago. The classical
music of the 'Gharnas' of Uttar Pradesh and
other exotic dances were also presented.
And as the night descended the Ghazals stirred
one's soul. Ghazal singers such as Sharada Sharma
and Ranjan Devnath pleased the ears of the visitors.
Every night there was blast entertainment for the
visitors.
There was a magic show by Aadesh Sharma and
dance performances by artistes belonging to different
sates. The utsav gave immense boost to Indian Classical
music - sitar recital, tabla and dholak, santoor-
sitar.
For Katex and her boyfriend Michelle the Taj Mahotsav
was a mindblowing experience. They said, "Everything
is so charming and amazing. We like the Indian dance,
the Indian music. We have attended all the ghazal
programmes. We would like to attend the Mahotsav again."
- Shalini Dwivedi
|
1:19:36 PM 
