Lacklustre start to Taj Mahotsava
Agra | February 19, 2014
Webindia
The ten-day annual ‘Taj Mahotsava’ at Shilpagram, 500 m from the Taj Mahal, has opened to a cold reception from tourists.
Three UP ministers and a horde of senior government officials were present at the inaugural function Saturday evening that was enlivened by a music performance by playback singer Sudesh Bhonsle.
The Taj Mahotsava, which started more than a decade ago was planned to draw foreign tourists to Agra.
Tourism trade leaders of Agra however believe that the festival has failed in this respect.
“Foreign tourists come to Agra to see the Taj and half a dozen other monuments. Only a handful have the inclination and time to visit such cultural shows. The Taj Mahotsava remains a fun-fest for the locals,” says Surendra Sharma, founder president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Agra.
His views were echoed by other trade groups.
Tourism department officials however disagrees with this view. According to Uttar Praseh tourism department officials, the festival is now high on the tourism calendars of most countries and foreign tourists are visiting the ten-day fair to have a glimpse of India.
“Since most tourists visiting India do not have time to visit other parts of the country, this Mahotsava offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity of our country,” according to joint director of tourism D.K. Burman.
There is much to draw foreign tourists as the event attempts to showcase the best of Indian culture, including cuisine and musical shows at a single venue.
A black Taj Mahal model by Lucknow’s 35-year-old I.N. Khan is a major attraction at the fest. There is also a ‘Black Taj show’, a unique dance-drama that seeks to perpetuate the myth of a black Taj Mahal which Mughal emperor Shah Jahan planned to build across the river Yamuna opposite the white marble mausoleum.
Following last year’s fire disaster that gutted dozens of thatched stalls, the organising committee this year took adequate precautions.
Artisans and handicraft sellers from all over India have opened stalls at the Mahotsava hoping to do brisk business.
For the local people, the festival continues to remain a major attraction and a great opportunity to project Agra’s art and culture. More than 1,500 local artistes will get an opportunity in the next nine days to perform before a discerning audience.
The entire complex affords an opportunity to display artistic talent through paintings, crafts, designing to culinary skills.
(IANS)
