• Taj Mahal entry will be free for three days starting from February 17 to 19

    OffBeat
    Taj Mahal entry will be free for three days starting from February 17 to 19
    From February 17 to 19, entry to the Taj Mahal in Agra will be free for three days...

    Digital Desk: Now is the time to visit your favourite love place as from February 17 to 19, entry to the Taj Mahal in Agra will be free for three days to commemorate the 368th Urs (death anniversary) of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

    During the event, visitors and foreigners will be able to visit the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.

    According to Ibrahim Zaidi, chairman of the Urs committee, Shah Jahan's Urs will be held this year from February 17 to February 19. For the next three days, pilgrims and tourists will be able to enter the Taj Mahal for free. 

    According to reports, the rite of 'Ghusl' (full-body cleanliness required before performing other rituals and prayers) will begin at 2 pm on February 17.

    The 'Sandal' and 'Milad Sharif' ceremonies will be held on February 18. From dawn until evening on February 19, the rituals of 'Kul' (reciting the four foundational chapters of the Quran) and 'chadar poshi' (providing a cover) will be observed. 

    On the occasion of Urs this year, a 1,450-metre-long chadar will be offered to the grave of Emperor Shah Jahan. A langar will be served later in the forecourt.

    According to the Archaeological Survey of India, cigarettes, beedi, matchbox, gutkha, tobacco, pan masala, any type of flag, banner, poster, book, drum larger than 36 inches, bands, screwdrivers, lighters, firearms, knives, and other items will be prohibited inside the Taj Mahal during those three days. 

    According to social activist Sameer, there will be a large audience visiting the Taj Mahal on the occasion of Urs, so it is important to ensure that anti-social groups do not deface the monument. "The Urs preparations committee would have to work closely with the ASI on this because the Taj Mahal is a special legacy not only for Agra but for the entire country," Sameer said.