If you like planning your weekend getaways ahead in time and have been on a look-out for interesting things to do around the city this month, we come bearing glad tidings! The much-anticipated Taj Mahotsav in Agra is three days away and we can't contain our excitement! What could be a better way to escape the monotony of life than immersing in an extravagant cultural explosion?!

Gracing Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the magnificent Taj Mahal, this larger-than-life affair spans 10 days. The festival will be celebrated from February 17-27 and bring to life a vibrant display of rich arts and crafts, cultures, cuisine, music and dance of India.

A center stage of artistic expression, the Taj Mahotsav will have it all. We're talking a cornucopia of culturally-rooted and historic arts and crafts woven by over 400 artisans from across the country, colour programmes, stand-up comedies, theatrical performances, from folk music and dance display to Bollywood nights, a fleet of food stalls, and so much more.

Among the exquisite art and craft work, you can choose from handmade wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, bamboo/cane work from North East India, paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, Agra's marble and zardozi work, brass wares from Moradabad, carpets from Bhadohi, pottery from Khurja, Lucknow's Chikan, silk & zari work from Banaras, shawls and carpets from Kashmir and Gujarat, Kantha stitch from West Bengal - to name a few!

Imagine this. You glance in the sky and find hot air balloons on one end and kites on another, you look around and an adrenaline-inducing bike rally revs up your engines, with soul-stirring music in the background and aroma of a gourmet delicacies pleasing your senses. If that's not a picture perfect scenario, we don't know what is!

The best part? You will have, in your vicinity, one of the wonders of the world - the grand Taj Mahal!

Charming spectators and visitors since 1992, the Agra Taj Mahotsav has now embarked on celebrating its 33rd edition and is inviting you to join in! So, block the dates and start packing those light bags for an unforgettable getaway from Lucknow!

For more information, check out https://twitter.com/TajMahotsavAgra or http://www.tajmahotsav.org/.