The much-awaited Taj Mahotsav is all set to be organised in the ‘City of Love’ from February 17 to 27.

The 10-day-long Mahotsav, held every year in Agra, attracts a large number of tourists from across the country and the world. This year, the Mahotsav will allow tourists to get a glimpse of the diverse art, culture and crafts of the country.

Over the past few years, the Taj Mahotsav has been adding to the glory of Agra. The grand Mahotsav will showcase women empowerment in different ways. For the first time, a traditional attire race, a bike rally, hot air balloon rides and a kite festival will be organised during the Mahotsav. Along with this, the Yamuna Maha Aarti and a flower exhibition will also attract tourists during the festival.

The Mahotsav is being organised on the theme of ‘Sanskriti and Samriddhi’. The traditional attire race was held on Friday from Atal Udyan Selfie Point to Shilpgram. Around 250 people participated in the race. Mushaira is scheduled to be organised at Sur Sadan Sanjay Palace from 8 pm on 17 February. Famous poets like Waseem Barelvi, Mumtaz Naseem and Altamash Abbas will recite their poems here.

Artists from all corners of the country will showcase their crafts and artifacts. Additionally, food enthusiasts will also get a chance to relish delicious dishes. Many famous and local artists from India and abroad will enthrall people with their performances during cultural programmes to make the evening pleasant. On 18 February, a hot air balloon ride and Yamuna Aarti will be organised. The Taj Agra Bike Rally will be organised on 19 February. A glimpse of women’s empowerment will also be seen here.

On 18-19 February, a bird-watching event will be organised at Sur Sarovar till 7.30 am. Tourists will get a chance to see various birds like the Painted Stork, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, and Red Naped Ibis etc. A kite festival will also be organised at Gyarah Seedhi Park on 25-26 February while a flower exhibition will be held at Taj View Garden on 24-25 February. On 25 February, a Ghazal evening will be organised in which famous ghazal singers Roop Kumar Rathod and Sonali Rathod will perform.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Friday that the Taj Mahotsav organised in Agra provides a platform to Indian art, culture, and craftsmen. It promotes the country’s rich culture and art globally as well as domestically and enables employment generation, he added.