The Hindu : National : Symbol of harmony at Taj Mahal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 04, 2005

National

National

Symbol of harmony at Taj Mahal

People from all religions commemorate 350th Urs of Mughal emperor Shah Jehan

SECULAR FABRIC: Visitors offering 100-metre-long chadar at the Taj Mahal to mark the 350th Urs of Shah Jehan and Mumtaz in Agra on Friday. — PHOTO: PTI

AGRA: Presenting a symbol of harmony, people from all religions gathered near the Taj Mahal to commemorate the end of the 350th Urs of Mughal emperor Shah Jehan.

Hundreds of devotees congregated near the Taj Mahal and offered a 100-metre-long chadar at the mausoleum of Shah Jehan.

``The name of this shawl is Satrangi Chadar. This chadar does not belong to any community. This is a property of India and of all the religions. This is a secular chadar," said Tahiruddin Tahir, President, Agra Tourists Guide Association.

Following the age old tradition of offering shawl at the mausoleum, which was earlier done only by the Muslim community, people from other religions in Agra unanimously decided to do the same in the memory of Shah Jehan, who was the lover of mankind and conveyed the message of love and harmony to the world.

They felt the representation of all the religion was important.

The chadar was carried to the mausoleum with devotees dancing and singing qawalis.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra, has opened the gate of the Taj Mahal for the general public.

For three days the entry into the campus is free.

Apart from the devotees, there were a large number of foreign tourists who enjoyed this celebration and appreciated the liveliness of Indian culture and tradition.— ANI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National