Agra, Feb 19: Hundreds of people from all walks of life participated in a mini-marathon ahead of the opening of the "Taj Mahotsav", the ten-day annual festival at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal.

"Around 1000 participants took part in this marathon. The participants included officers, athletes, school children and soldiers. They ran almost four kilometres to reach the finishing line. Through this medium, we wanted to give a goodwill message," said Rajeev Rautela, Additional District Magistrate.

The purpose of Wednesday''s run was to celebrate this event with grandeur and attract the tourists towards this event as well as the Taj Mahal itself.

"We are running this marathon for the sake of Taj Mahal," said Sidhharth Jain, a student.

The security arrangements were tight with a large number of police force deployed on the occasion.

The Taj Mahotsav is displaying the country''s extensive arts, crafts and culture besides folk music, and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all forming part of the festivities.

Organised by the state tourism department every year to promote tourism in and around Agra, the festival is truly India at her best with a glimpse of her rich heritage and extraordinary legacies.

State authorities said the Taj festival has been designed to be a complete tourism event in itself.

The majestic Taj Mahal forms the backdrop of the festival. (ANI)