"Elections in our country are definitely the biggest festival and the festivities will continue for a good one month," was the tongue in cheek comment of the senior tourism industry leader Surendra Sharma.

No one talks openly against the district administration, but the undercurrents of dis-satisfaction and dismay are discernible, as the tourism and travel circuits do not generally agree with the district authorities' decision to shift the dates of the Taj Mahotsava which has now become a part of international tourism calendar and itineraries. This is the first time that the festival started in 1993 is being postponed.

The district authorities say they have their compulsions. Divisional commissioner Amrit Abhijat who heads the organizing committee, says security forces are needed for the conduct of elections. "The handicrafts and artisans will have difficulties in coming to the venue with their wares and cash.

The tendering procedures too would be restricted by the code of conduct," says a press release, quoting officials.

The district authorities Monday evening decided to postpone the Taj Mahotsava from February 18 to March 16, in view of the elections for the state assembly, when all the agencies and officials would be busy conducting the poll.

Similar events in Etah, Aligarh and Jhansi have also been postponed, officials said to justify their decision.

Many hoteliers say after Holi the tourist season ends. "So how many tourists would be around to see the Mahotsava which was started to attract tourists and to expose them to the local culture, handicrafts and the rich variety of foods," they ask.

An election is not a war or a disaster that normal activities should be interrupted like this, says activist Shravan Kumar Singh. "Are they telling the world that the situation in Agra would be abnormal during the election period? They do not seem to care for the image of the country. If the government sector can not organize the festival let the private sector take the responsibility," he adds.

Now that they have postponed the dates, why not have the Taj Mahotsava early in October when the tourist season starts, many hoteliers ask.

The Election Commission has not asked the district authorities to change the dates. So why is there such an unease and discomfort with holding the festival on the scheduled dates, asks a university student Rakesh. "In March there will be examinations and the youth would not be able to enjoy the Mahotsava," he adds.