Biggest gala concert to mark Taj's B'day bash

VIJAY UPADHYAY

Over 90 dancers and 50 musicians are expected to perform at the inaugural ceremony of the annual "Taj Mahotsava" to be held between February 18 and 27, 2005.

Dubbed "Ismail Durbar Nite", this mega-concert is being seen as the most expensive and grand concert to be held in Agra at the 350th anniversary celebrations of the Taj Mahal. But, the tourism industry is also apprehensive of the SC's review of Taj's night opening to be held on Thursday. If the Taj is again shut down by the court in view of the alleged security lapses, the tourism industry could lose a great deal of money.
Besides Devdas fame music composer Ismail Durbar, several other Bollywood and pop celebrities are expected to perform, which would feature a song composed especially to commemorate the Taj Mahal's 350th year. Talking to UNN, DK Burman, Joint Director, UP Tourism, Agra said, though the venue of the concert is still to be decided, the tourism department is contemplating two possible locations in Agra and the final venue shall be announced soon. But even before this mega concert, Agra will also hold the casting of playwright Habib Tanvir's famous plays Agra Bazar and Gaon ka Naam Sasural for three days at the Sur Sadan Auditorium, between 22 and 24 January under the banner of "Naya Theatre".

Coinciding with the "International Taj Year", the annual Taj Mahotsava this year is expected to assume a larger and better dimension at the Shilpgram in Agra compared to the yesteryears. Sources indicate that the Mahotsava shall be inaugurated by the UP CM Mulayam Singh Yadav on February 18. Even before the Taj Mahotsava begins, the attraction of Taj Mahal's night viewing for five nights in January is drawing tourists in thousands, though the fact that the SC shall review the Taj's opening on Thursday is raising apprehension in the local tourism industry.
(UNITED NEWS NETWORK)

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