India Travel News tagged agra, Latest Travel News, Travel Breaking News

Agra Police Alert due to Expecting a Huge Rush at the Agra Monument in V-day

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:40:20 +0530

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day on 14 February, Agra police was on red alert. This day saw a massive rush of tourists coming down to witness the iconic Taj Mahal, which is considered to be the eternal monument of love. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

This was considered as the perfect time as Agra has a huge influx of tourists coming to the city these days. The Agra Police was in full swing to ensure that all measures are being taken to make sure that not a single foreigner will be harassed or there would be any theft of items from them.

Itra and Sugandhi Mela Concludes on Sunday

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:46:30 +0530

Itra and Sugandhi Mela is a one-of-its-kind fair, which has various types of fragrance fair extracts. This concluded on Sunday with an ending note on the prize distribution ceremony and the cultural program.

The fair that kick started in Pitampura at Dilli Haat on 26 January concluded on 29 January at 9:00 p.m. after the distribution of prizes to the best slogan writer, best stall, best singer, best dancer and a variety of similar categories.

This fair was specially organized by the Tourism Department in Delhi along with Flavor and fragrance development center, medium and micro small enterprises under Kannauj, Attar and perfumes Association in Kannauj, Fragrance and Flavor Association of India and Govt. of India, supported by Essential oil Association of India.

During the 4-day fair, scores of fragrance lovers visited Dilli Haat and bought various kinds of Itra, which is a herbal perfume, and a non-alcoholic flower extract called Sugandhi, which is a fragrant decoction that is extracted from the plant. They also enjoyed various types of cultural competitions and programs that were organized at the venue.

There were more than 40 stalls at the venue that sold a host of aromatic products that include Dhupbattis, Agarbattis, perfumes, essential oils, scented candles, room fresheners, crockery, rosewater Itra, cosmetics, roasted Namkeen and many other scented products.

There was also a demonstration of all the itra extraction and rosewater extraction in the fair. There were also many lectures about the history of scents and itra and how it became a business opportunity in India and overseas. The visitors were also briefed on the various types of scents and their history.

The history of Itra and the scents in India dates back to 5000 BC; Kannauj still retains the capital of the Itra industry since a long time. The current Sugandhi and Itra market is now nearly 300 to 400 crores now.

Ellora Ajanta Festival Aurangabad to be Held from January 26-29, 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:25:07 +0530

The Ajanta Festival at Aurangabad that was cancelled off in the year 2008 due to the Mumbai Terror attacks is on its way to be back again this year. The MIDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) and the Ajanta Festival Committee will be organizing this festival. This will be the seventh edition of the festival, and it will be held in Kalagram and Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad from the 26^th to 29^th of January. Kalagram is a craft and art bazaar and Soneri Mahal is a 17^th century palace and a joint venture between the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation and MTDC.

Speaking about the festival during a press conference in Mumbai, Kunal Kumar ‑ IAS, District Collector, Aurangabad, said, “We are restarting the tradition this year as the event was called off due of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. As per our plans, we are targeting youth and school students and expect around 10,000 tourists to visit this year’s Festival. We are also expecting foreign visitors from more than 26 countries, especially from South East Asian countries.”

At least 150 stalls are supposed to be set up at Kalagram during the festival to showcase the glimpses of the crafts and arts of the region. Along with the festival, a food bazaar “Pangat”, a crafts market “Jatra”, a folk extravaganza “Jalsaa” and an antique exhibition “Jatan” will be held from 27 to 29 January. Celebrities such as Hema Malini, Kailash Kher, Ustad Rashid Khan and Kavita Seth will be performing during the festival.

Speaking about their plans for promoting the festival, Dilip Shinde, Joint Managing Director, MTDC said, “We have completed our promotional activity in Mumbai and Pune and are looking at Delhi and Bengaluru for further promotions”.