Taj Mahal : 353rd death anniversary of Shahjahan
admin August 1st, 2008
A large numbers of visitors thronged the famed Taj Mahal in Agra to mark the 353rd death anniversary of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.
The celebration which started on July 29 was concluded on 31st July with special prayers offered for communal harmony and to end terrorism.
A 400 metre long seven-coloured chadar (sheet) was laid on the graves of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal.
“This year too we are celebrating this festival with same fervor. Initially, we will offer sandal and after that there will be a qawwali performance that will continue till 7 in the evening,” said Syed Munawwar Ali, a devotee.
During the anniversary celebration, the visitors got a rare opportunity to see the graves in the basement of the mausoleum as normally people are permitted to the replica of the graves on the first floor (platform).
The Taj Mahal stands on a marble platform surrounded by ornamental gardens. White minarets grace each corner and two smaller red sandstone buildings balance the postcard-perfect image on the banks of the Yamuna River .
Recently the monument was voted as the New Seven Wonders of the World.