34th Taj Mahotsav inaugurated on ‘Vande Mataram’ theme

Agra: The 34th edition of Taj Mahotsav began on a vibrant note on Wednesday evening with strains of Vande Mataram filling the air at Tata Maidan on Fatehabad Road in Agra. For the first time, the iconic festival is being held at this venue, shifting from its traditional home at Shilpgram. The week-long cultural extravaganza will continue until Feb 27, celebrating India's rich art, craft and heritage.The inaugural ceremony was graced by union minister of state SP Singh Baghel and Uttar Pradesh women's commission chairperson Babita Chauhan, among others. This year, the festival is themed around Vande Mataram, reflecting a patriotic and cultural ethos.In line with ‘Vocal for Local' initiative, the festival offers a mini-India experience, featuring over 500 stalls showcasing handicrafts, handlooms and traditional products from across the country. Taj Mahotsav committee secretary Shakti Singh said the event serves as a national platform for artisans, embodying the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.'Visitors can explore a wide array of products, from Kashmir's pashmina shawls to Banaras silk, along with khadi, jute and handloom items. The festival also highlights One District One Product (ODOP) displays from 50 districts of UP. A massive digital open-air stage has also been set up to enhance the entertainment quotient of the festival.To promote tourism beyond Agra, special cultural programmes have been planned at heritage and religious sites. On Saturday, the renowned Sufi group Nizami Bandhu will perform at Fatehpur Sikri, while on Monday, devotional bhajans will echo through the ancient temples of Bateshwar.Regional tourism officer Shakti Singh said that the festival is focused on promoting local artists. Performers from the Brij region will present daily shows from 10am to 6pm, offering visitors a continuous showcase of regional talent.