Taj Mahotsav to showcase crafts from all over India

Agra, Feb 16 (PTI) Over 350 craftsmen from across thecountry will display their wares at the upcoming twentieth TajMahotsav here, a senior official said today.

"101 craftsmen from Handloom Department (Centre), 150craftsmen from Handicrafts Department, 15 from Jute Council ofIndia, 20 from District Industries department, two from thecoconut board and 15 sponsored craftsmen would be there,"Commissioner of Agra Division, Amrit Amitabh said.

The ten-day crafts and cultural extravaganza startsfrom February 18.

Woodcraft of Tamil Nadu, shawls of Kashmir, Kanthasarees of West Bengal, silk sarees of Varansi, carpets ofBhadohi, chikanwork of Lucknow, crochet work of AndhraPradesh, cane furniture of Assam, marble craft of Agra areamong the various products that would be displayed.

A food festival would also be part of the event.

On the cultural front, poetry meet, folk and classicaldance and music would be staged at the event. Bollywood singerSunidhi Chauhan would give a performance on February 26.

The theme of the festival would be to celebrateheritage and prizes would be awarded to well kept privateheritage buildings.