Taj Mahotsav begins in Agra

This year's Taj Mahotsav marks the 23rd year of the festival that showcases the best of Indian crafts and culture in Agra, one of the country's biggest tourist destinations.

The ten-day-long annual Taj Mahotsav began at the Shilp Gram in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday amidst much fanfare.

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The theme of this year's festival is Paigham-e Mohahabbat or Message of Love.

This year's event marks the 23rd year of the festival that showcases the best of Indian crafts and culture in

Agra

, one of the country's biggest tourist destinations.

The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism has made special efforts to attract more tourists to the

festival

this year.

Several cultural events have been planned, including performances by Bollywood singers Javed Ali, Udit Narayan and

Shreya Ghoshal

.

A special Sufi night has also been organized at Fatehpur Sikri, featuring

Aslam Sabri

.