Tag: Taj Mahal

Taj Mahotsav 2024 to begin on February 17 in Agra: Check what to indulge in at the 10-day carnival

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Taj Mahotsav 2024, one of the most-awaited cultural festivals, is all set to bring a 10-day long carnival, serving Indian art, crafts, cuisine, dance, and music to its attendees in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

The Taj Mahotsav 2024 is scheduled to commence on February 17. The official X handle of the Taj Mahal shared a video clip along with a caption, which read, “Celebrating 33 years in 2024. Experience India’s rich arts, crafts, music, and cuisine. With 400 artisans showcasing woodwork, stone carving, mesmerising performances, and delicious food from February  17 to  February 27, 2024.”

Glimpses of Taj Mahotsav: A Cultural Extravaganza in the Heart of Agra.

Celebrating 33 years in 2024

Experience India’s rich arts, crafts, music, cuisine.
With 400 artisans showcasing woodwork, stone carving, mesmerizing performances, delicious food.

17th to 27th Feb, 2024. pic.twitter.com/TU4yAvWB9C

— Taj Mahal (@TajMahal) February 15, 2024

Ahead of the grand carnival, let’s take a closer look at the details of the Mahotsav.

Date and venue

As per the official website of Taj Mahotsav, the event will be held from February 17-27 at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal Eastern gate in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Entry tickets

The entry fee for adults is ₹50 (per person), while foreign tourists and kids up to the age of 3 years do not have to pay any fee. The administration, though, will charge ₹700 for a group of 50 school kids in uniform. The entry fee will also include free entry for at least two school teachers with the group.

Also read: Taj Mahal was built over 21 years, check time taken to build other landmarks

What to expect?

The cultural event, which encourages the artisans of different parts of India, was started in 1992. The event marks its date in the calendar events of the Department of Tourism, Government of India. Here are some of the special attractions of the carnival that grab major eyes during the event.

1. Art and crafts: At the Taj Mahotsav 2024, visitors will see as many as 400 legendary artisans from different parts of the country. It will include wood and stone carving from Tamil Nadu, bamboo and came work from North East India, and paper mash work from South and Kashmir among others.

2. Cultural events: Apart from the arts and crafts, the carnival will also host performances by artists from different places. During the Mahotsav, one can experience several classical- folk music and dance.

3. Cuisines and Fun Fair: In addition to the cultural and artistic exploration, the carnival will delight the visitors with good food as well. The stalls offering traditional food items will allow the visitors to discover more about different places.

Additionally, the fun fair will attract the children as well as the adults. People visiting Taj Mahotsav 2024 can enjoy different rides, including a roller coaster, merry-go-round, train rides, and Ferris wheel.

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Nah Taj! Insect poop turns one of world’s seven wonders green; winter instance worries experts

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, in Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Agra district is turning green.

Experts and officials with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said the green stains on the embossed stonework and floral designs on the wall are a result of an insect’s poop. ASI officials maintain that green stains are not new and is, perhaps, an annual affair since 2015. However, the staining in October, the winter month, is unique, unlike the previous instances witnessed in May or June. Moreover, it re-appeared in November after thorough cleaning, which makes it a rare phenomenon.

“Greening of the Taj Mahal is a recurring phenomenon. However, this year, it occurred in October, which is strange. Another strange thing is despite the remedial measures, the greening took place again in November, which is worrisome,” said Raj Kumar Patel, superintending archaeologist, Agra Circle, ASI.

The Phenomenon

Officials with the ASI and experts said the greening, especially on the walls facing river Yamuna, is an outcome of the poop of an insect named Goeldichironomus, which leaves a green effect on the white marble.

“Initially, the cleaning was carried out by the ASI’s chemical branch. However, we are now looking forward to combating the insect menace, which is spoiling the beauty of the Taj,” said Patel.

While ASI officials want to save the majestic monument from greening, experts are worried that frequent occurrences may spoil the white colour.

Insect feeds on algae in Yamuna

The greening of Taj Mahal was first studied in 2016 by Dr Girish Maheshwari, head of the School of Entomology at St John’s College, Agra. “The larva of Goeldichironomus feeds on the algae in the river, prior to transforming into an adult. The insects are attracted to the white marble of the Taj Mahal and when they sit and excrete on its wall, it leaves a green stain on the marble owing to the presence of chlorophyll in their bodies,” states the report, which calls these insects a bio-indicator of water quality.

Dr Maheshwari’s report states that the increased population is an outcome of the rising pollution of the river. “The high concentration of phosphorus (due to pollution) and sediments of the river enhance the reproductivity of the female insect, which can lay more than 1,000 eggs at a time,” Maheshwari’s report further states.

In his report, he said that Goeldichironomus has also caused damage to other heritage structures, including Monroe Lake in Florida (USA), where the US Government had to spend millions of US dollars to control the insect. It has caused a similar damage to Lake Suwa in Japan.

Maheshwari had submitted his report to ASI in 2016.

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Get real, do good, be unmissable: HUL’s Shiva Krishnamurthy decodes company’s marketing strategies

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The campaigns of Taj Mahal Tea have never failed to entice its target audience. Be it the long-running campaign Wah Taj! that featured tabla mogul Ustad Zakir Hussain or campaigns presenting musical maestros, they have carved a niche for themselves over the years.

The recently unveiled outdoor campaign, Megh Santoor, opposite the Vijayawada junction railway station in Andhra Pradesh is a cherry on the cake. The out-of-home installation, which measures a total surface area of 2,250 sq ft, makes use of the droplets of rain to create the ‘Raaga of the rains’, which is ‘Raag Megh Malhar’.

For this, Taj Mahal brand was honoured with a Guinness World Record certification for a campaign that gained the recognition of being the world’s largest environmentally interactive billboard.

Storyboard18 caught up with Shiva Krishnamurthy, nutrition South Asia foods and beverages head, Hindustan Unilever, who touched upon the campaign’s genesis, the brand’s relationship with Indian classical music, his take on celebrity endorsements and a lot more.

Edited excerpts:

India is regarded as a tea-drinking nation. How has Taj Mahal Tea, as a brand, contributed to this?

Taj Mahal Tea has been around since 1966. It has always had the best of teas from the best of gardens. ‘Hazaroon mein ek’ used to be the sort of phrase associated with the brand. Whether it is Wah Taj, one of India’s most iconic campaigns, which had the presence of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, and which ran for decades, or the campaign featuring vocalist Nirali Kartik, we’ve always communicated with Indian classical music.

So, I’d say Taj has always stood for being the best of India, the best of Indian tea, the best of Indian classical music, and true to its name, it is still one of India’s most loved brands.

Could you explain the genesis of the outdoor campaign and the Guinness World Record certification for the same?

The Guinness World Record is a very pleasant outcome. The objective for most brands in mature categories like tea is salience. So we need to become salient for our target audience.

There are basically three parts to Unilever’s marketing credo or construct. One is ‘Get Real’. Then, ‘Do Good’. And then ‘Be Unmissable’.

When we say ‘Get Real’, it means we’ve got to be real for our target audience, which is why a city like Vijayawada, where a large number of Taj Mahal tea consumers reside, became an obvious choice to do something like this.

Being real means not getting dictated by what is convenient to us or where we are located, but going to where a large number of our target audience lives.

‘Do Good’ is that, in Unilever, we believe that all brands need to have a purpose beyond just selling the product. So the purpose of Taj Mahal tea is to champion Indian classical music. So, that’s something we would like to continue building and nurturing as our purpose.

The third part of ‘Be Unmissable’ is that today, there is so much of an attention deficit. We were looking for something over and above the typical ways in which one communicates, something that captures people’s imagination and breaks the clutter. Our approach was to do some kind of a public installation. That’s the way we thought about the campaign.

Could you touch upon the consumer research that was conducted to understand the pulse of the consumers and conceptualise the outdoor campaign?

An unconventional campaign like this can’t be researched. So, we have to just go with the collective judgement of the people. We weren’t expecting as much success as we seem to have got. It has found its way into all the family and school WhatsApp groups, which, I think, is a big marker of virality. We are going to promote the video and get influencer marketing behind it. Hopefully, we will keep the buzz going for a month or two more.

Could you explain more on the influencer marketing part?

These days, people watch a lot of content and there are various social media influencers who say and do things which are useful to our target audience. So there could be some people, for example, who talk about what is happening in Vijayawada. On the other hand, there are people who talk a lot about classical music online. Methods like that is what I mean by influencer marketing.

How has the target audience of Taj Mahal tea evolved over a period?

The target audience of tea or the drinkers of Taj Mahal tea are basically tea lovers. They are tea connoisseurs who really love tea and appreciate what good tea is. The other thing is that they also look at tea as a way to indulge in some ‘me time’.

Typically, for homemakers, when the family has left home for work or school or college, they have some time for themselves to prepare a wonderful cup of tea and have a little ritual going around it. They may go to a little corner of the house, put on their favourite music or watch their favourite TV show.

Could you explain the difference and similarities in consumer trends in 2022, compared to 2023?

Tea is a mature category. The mega trends, like in any mature category, is upgradation. As India becomes more affluent, as the footprint of modern trade stores increases, as urbanisation goes up, as more people join the workforce, there’s greater aspiration and premiumisation.

So consumers move from a less expensive or a lower quality product to a more expensive and a higher quality product.

A mega trend in foods and beverages is health and wellness. The way in which it has been addressed best is with green tea.

So, five to seven years back, only very few people had even heard about green tea. But now, everyone has not only heard about it, but is also convinced about its benefits, which is vital for weight management and overall health and well-being. We’re quite proud of having driven it through our Lipton brand. So health and well-being is a big trend. Home remedy that has always been part of Indian life and folklore is what is known as the kada (herbal concoction).

And that’s what we have done with it through Red Label Natural Care. It is India’s only tea, which is clinically proven to increase immunity and relies on our age-old Ayurvedic wisdom. It’s got a clinically proven combination of ingredients which is Ashwagandha, Muleti, Tulsi, etc.

The other trend is experiences. People these days crave experiences more than products. Taj Mahal Tea House is an experience that our brand Taj Mahal creates. So in many ways, when one visits the tea house, they visit the brand Taj Mahal. That’s where the brand lives. It offers great tea, it is set to Indian classical music, and it also lets one take a pause and indulge.

Taj Mahal Tea and classical music share a special bond. How has classical music and the presence of musical maestros in campaigns enhanced the brand image and value of Taj Mahal tea?

Taj Mahal tea is an expertise brand. Its values are expertise, sophistication, connoisseurship, rigour, craftsmanship, etc. I think all these values are embodied by Indian classical music. And the maestros that practise Indian classical music stand for these things. In many ways, by becoming associated with the art form and with the artists, we are able to create the sort of imagery that we want to.

There is also a larger purpose around championing Indian classical music. A lot of people in India, their only real experience with Indian classical music might be through Taj advertising. Because of the scale at which we operate, millions of people see, say, an ad of Taj every week. So, they experience classical music and we effectively propagate classical music by doing that. So, I think it’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship that we have with Indian classical music and we intend to keep strengthening it.

For Taj Mahal tea, which has been the most tried and tested marketing technique, what has helped strike a chord among the audience?

I don’t think there is any Taj Mahal-specific marketing technique. It is just good consumer marketing techniques — whether it is having a great product, charging a price that is appropriate, backing it in a way that consumers are able to enjoy and then promoting it through distinctive brand assets.

I think Taj particularly stands out in a few things. We spoke a lot about advertising in Indian classical music. But if we also look at our packaging, our design philosophy is inspired by the monument itself. The monument Taj Mahal stands for exquisite Indian craftsmanship.

It also stands for symmetry and for all that which one can see on the Taj pack. If one sees the motifs and the dome and everything else on the pack, it’s something that probably is quite distinctive in the tea category. So that’s one thing that works.

I think Taj is also fortunate enough to have a distinctive brand asset as we call it in the phrase ‘Wah Taj’. So ‘Wah Taj’ is an expression. Even today, if a dignitary visits the Taj Mahal, a newspaper would have a caption called ‘Wah Taj’ or something to that effect. So, it’s just part of the popular lexicon, and it’s a wonderful asset for a brand to have. Because if one says ‘Wah Taj’, it’s just instantly recognisable.

What is your take on celebrity endorsements? How successful has this strategy proven to be for the endorsement of the brand?

I think it’s very case-specific and depends on a lot of things. For example, if we stay with Taj, it is going to have a celebrity in Indian classical music because it’s such a distinctive association. If I look at other tea brands, like Red Label, which is about warmth and togetherness, it depicts an everyday slice of life. So it’s very brand-specific. I think celebrity endorsements work for many brands, but they are not needed for every brand.

Could you touch upon the e-concert ‘Sur Ke Saath’ campaign that was launched in 2020. How did that enhance the brand image of Taj Mahal tea? Does it still continue?

This is something that is quite close to our hearts. One of the things that was happening during COVID-19 was that people were denied or people just could not have live experiences. Everything had come to a halt from the viewer or the listener’s perspective. But more importantly, from the perspective of the musicians, which is where we come in, for them, a lot of joy is derived from live performances.

For some of the artists, live performances are also a big source of income. So, if we put all that together, the COVID-19 period was very harsh on music lovers and musicians.

And we felt that, as Taj, we had to do something about it and which is why we tried to bring the magic to the internet. I think we did it with a fair amount of success. Now, it is perhaps less relevant and we want to get back to live concerts at our Taj Mahal Tea house. We are already in the process of reviving and want to increase the frequency and intensity of concerts at the tea house.

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50 Best Hotels of 2023: Oberoi Amarvilas Agra is only Indian hotel to feature on the list

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A list of the world’s 50 Best hotels in 2023 was announced by “50 Best” recently at an awards ceremony in London. It includes industry-defining hotels from 35 locations across six continents worldwide. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra is the only hotel in India to feature in the inaugural ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. This list is 50 Best’s first foray into the travel space, and its first new global ranking since the launch of The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2009.

The awards ceremony was hosted at the historic Guildhall and the unveiling highlighted outstanding hotel experiences across the world that will shape the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers.

Located near the Taj Mahal, the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra is a luxury that offers unrestricted views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites, complemented by warm and personalised hospitality. Drawing on the rich heritage and expertise of local craftsmen, the hotel’s interiors reflect the refined aesthetics of the Mughal era. The tastefully appointed accommodation, exquisite restaurants serving authentic Mughal and international cuisines, private dining beside the silhouette of the Taj Mahal, and spa therapies with Taj Mahal views make The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra an unforgettable experience.

Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels said: “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to every hotel on the list, each of which has clearly made a lasting impression on our Academy of travel experts. After seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, it’s been especially fulfilling to see so many hoteliers from around the world gather in London to celebrate each other’s achievements under one roof for the first-ever awards ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. We hope this list inspires travel lovers to book somewhere truly spectacular for their next trip.”

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Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group said, “We are honoured to be the sole representative of India on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list. This recognition is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of perfection, the dedication of our team, and the timeless allure of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Our commitment to providing guests with unrivalled experiences remains unwavering, and we invite travellers from around the world to join us in discovering the magic of the Taj Mahal from our exceptional vantage point.”

Vikram Oberoi, CEO and MD of The Oberoi Group, said, “We are delighted to be included in the inaugural listing of the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our loyal guests for their unwavering support and our exceptional colleagues for their dedication and commitment to excellence. This prestigious listing affirms Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to providing guests with exceptional facilities and unparalleled service. Our founder, Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, and Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, our former Chairman and mentor, have consistently emphasized that our colleagues are our most valuable asset. Time and again, our colleagues demonstrate their dedication to this enduring belief.”

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Yamuna flood water reach Taj Mahal walls for the first time in 45 years, no threat to monument says ASI

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Yamuna River has crossed the ‘low-level flood’ mark of 495 feet in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with the flood water reaching the walls of the Taj Mahal for the first time in 45 years. Visuals shared on social media showed that a garden located behind the Taj Mahal was submerged in flood water. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has assured that there is no threat to the monument as it is designed to withstand floods.

Water levels of Yamuna reached the mark of 495.8 feet on Monday. The last time the waters reached the world heritage site was during the floods of 1978.

“The Taj Mahal was developed in such a way that water cannot enter the main mausoleum even during high floods. The last time the Yamuna touched the back wall of the Taj Mahal was during high floods in 1978,” Prince Vajpayee, conservation assistant at ASI told media, Moneycontrol reported.

The rising water level of the Yamuna River is also reaching other monuments, including the Rambagh, Mehtab Bagh, Zohra Bagh and Kala Gumbad which are currently not at risk, according to the ASI.

As per an NDTV report, the water has entered the outer parts of Itimad-ud-Daula’s tomb and the Dussehra Ghat near the Taj Mahal.

Visuals shared on social media showed the flooded areas near the monument and the submerged garden.

Overflowing Yamuna reaches the Taj Mahal for the 1st time in 45 years

After Red Fort & Raj Ghat, one of the wonders of the world also surrounded by water.

The garden behind the 17th century monument submerged as the river crossed the ‘low-level flood’ mark of 495 feet in Agra pic.twitter.com/CEELBQa6kf

— Priyanshi Sharma (@Priyanshi50) July 18, 2023

Fortunately, the resilience and ingenious design of the Taj Mahal are capable of protecting itself from floods. According to Prince Vajpayee, the main mausoleum was created to withstand floods and it is planned in such a way that the water could not enter the main structure.

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, officials have set up barricades around the Yamuna River ghats from Kailash Temple in Sikandra to the Dusshera Ghat near the Taj Mahal to avoid floods.

Relief preparedness has also been ramped up in the rest of Agra with relief camps being set up amid the flood-like situation.

“We are prepared to tackle a flood-like situation if it arises. Posts have been created and boatmen and divers are on alert. Locals in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert,” Yashvardhan Srivastav, ADM (Finance and Revenue), told news agency PTI.

Earlier on Sunday, the District Magistrate of Agra Navneet Chahal inspected the low-lying areas of the city and directed the officials to make the necessary arrangements for the people at risk.

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Ten sights every cricket fan needs to see in India during the 2023 World Cup

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Nothing beats the World Cup of Cricket for sheer excitement. It’s unlike any other sport in terms of its ability to unify individuals from all walks of life and bring them together as fans. But if you want to do more than simply watch cricket, why not combine it with a trip to some of India’s most fascinating cities and towns? As India hosts the 2023 Cricket World Cup, we’ve compiled a list of 10 incredible destinations you just must see. During your travels, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas, thrilling adventures, and many opportunities to experience India’s famously warm hospitality.

The Taj of Agra.
One of the most recognisable structures in the world, the Taj Mahal, may be seen in Agra. This beautiful marble tomb was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honour his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is an impressive sight, especially against the pink sandstone of the fort, and any cricket fan visiting the area should make a point of seeing it.

The Pink City, Jaipur.

Jaipur, sometimes known as the ‘Pink City’ is a great destination if you’re seeking a vibrant and educational cultural adventure. Palaces, forts, and monuments abound in this bustling metropolis, taking visitors back in time. You may discover everything from old bazaars selling trinkets and souvenirs to classic havelis (mansions) in this area. Sawai Mansingh Stadium and other Jaipur cricket grounds host entertaining matches all year round, making them an essential part of any cricket fan’s itinerary.

The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur.
This city in the desert is as well-known for its blue-hued architecture as it is for its rich heritage and diverse population. Markets here are a riot of colour and texture, and the narrow streets are dotted with ancient temples and palaces. The former residence of Maharaja Umaid Singh, Umaid Bhawan Palace should not be missed. And if you’re a cricket enthusiast, you can’t miss the great matches that have been played at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

The ‘City of Lakes,’ Udaipur.
Udaipur is the perfect vacation spot if you’re on the lookout for peace and quiet. This magnificent metropolis is frequently called the ‘Venice of the East’ due to its abundance of beautiful lakes and enormous palaces. The metropolis Palace and the Jag Mandir Palace are just two of the many stunning structures that call this metropolis home. You may also learn about traditional arts and crafts like pottery and weaving in surrounding towns like Ranakpur or stroll through colourful local markets.

Varanasi, the Ganges River Holy City
To many, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India or Kashi, since it is one of India’s holiest cities. Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges River, has served as a major Hindu pilgrimage place for countless years. Visitors may have life-changing spiritual experiences by exploring the ghats (stairways) along the riverbanks, seeing historic temples like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, cruising the river at sunset, or participating in the evening ceremonial known as Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

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Delhi: The Heart of the Nation
Delhi, the capital of India, is a must-see on any journey to the subcontinent. Everything from the ancient Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb to the bustling shops of Chandni Chowk, where you can purchase everything from garments to spices, can be found in this exciting city. After a long day of touring Delhi’s cultural landmarks, you may let your hair down at one of the many restaurants, pubs, or nightclubs that dot South Delhi.

Mumbai: The Economic Hub of India
With its shiny towers and thriving economy, Mumbai has earned the reputation as India’s financial centre. However, some of the greatest cricket games ever played have taken place there. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final was played between India and Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s historic Wankhede Stadium, and it came down to the wire before India eventually prevailed. Mumbai Indians, a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), play all of their home games at the Wankhede Stadium. Thousands of cricket fans from all over the world go to this stadium every time Mumbai Indians play here, turning the match into a thrilling spectacle.

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The Southern India Entry Point, Chennai
As a key transportation and commercial centre in South India, Chennai has earned the nickname ‘the gateway to South India.’ Having been home to the Madras Cricket Club (MCC) from its founding in 1846, the city is likewise very significant from a cricketing perspective. Several international matches, as well as those from the Indian Premier League (IPL), are held at MCC each year, making it an essential stop for cricket fans visiting Chennai. The MCC stadium is famous not only for its exciting matches but also for the enthusiastic crowds that can be heard shouting for their respective teams during the whole event.

The City of Happiness: Kolkata
Kolkata, or Calcutta before independence, is referred to as ‘the city of pleasure’ because of its vivacious culture, food, and people. During the time of British colonial authority, cricket was introduced to this city by British troops. Today, Kolkata is home to not one but two big stadiums: Eden Gardens and Salt Lake Stadium. Both are known for their enthusiastic fans and exciting matches, such as those held for the Indian Premier League and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. Every cricket fan who comes here will feel like they are a part of history.

Bangalore: India’s Tech Hub
Bengaluru, or Bangalore as it was originally called, is renowned as the Silicon Valley of India because of its thriving technological sector, but its cricketing legacy is less well known. In fact, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, two notable cricketers who went on to head the Indian national side, both got their starts in Bengaluru. There are now three significant stadiums in the area, all of which hold important annual events, but none more so than Chinnasamy Stadium. The enthusiastic support of the supporters for their own clubs guarantees an exciting environment here.

Going to the Cricket World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t regret. In 2023, the event will be held in India, and there will be no better time to go.

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ASI opens online ticket booking for night viewing of Taj Mahal, check details here

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started the sale of tickets online for the night viewing of the Taj Mahal, from Monday, May 1. Visitors can get the tickets on the official website of ASI at asi.paygov.org.in. With this, the offline sales of tickets will close in a day or two once the initial operational issues, if any, are sorted out with the online portal, TOI reported citing ASI sources.

Before this, tourists and visitors could only buy the tickets a day in advance from the offline window at the ASI office in Agra.

However, last year in November, the Supreme Court modified its 2004 order allowing the booking of tickets online for night viewing. The move came following an application filed in 2019 by the Agra Development Foundation (ADF), which is a citizens’ forum.

Visitors can enjoy the night viewing of the Taj Mahal five days a month. Tickets can be booked for the full moon days and two days before and after the full moon phase when the night sky is well-lit.

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Details of Night Viewing

As per the security protocol, night viewing will be available for only 400 visitors per day.

They will be divided into eight batches of 50 visitors who will be allowed to visit the Taj Mahal from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

Each slot will be 30 minutes in duration and all visitors will need to report at Shilpgram for security checks, half an hour before the viewing time mentioned on their ticket.

Where to buy Tickets?

Visitors can get the tickets on the official website of ASI at asi.paygov.org.in.

Visitors will need to provide basic details such as name, age, phone number, email ID and a valid identity proof on the online portal to buy the tickets.

Cost of tickets

The cost of a ticket for adults is Rs 510 (Indian citizens) while for foreign citizens, the cost of a ticket for adults is Rs 750.

For children aged between 3 and 15 years, both Indian and foreign, the cost of one ticket is Rs 500.

There is no ticket required for children below the age of 4.

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How to explore India’s rich cultural heritage through its best sites The Taj Mahal and Khajuraho

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India is a country of diversity and ancientness, with a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history, geography, religion, and art. Visiting some of the best cultural sites in India is a great way to experience and appreciate its culture, as they showcase its architectural brilliance, artistic expressions, religious diversity, and historical glory. In this post, we will explore four of these sites: the Taj Mahal and Khajuraho.

Taj Mahal

What is it?

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a symbol of love, beauty, and architectural excellence.

Why visit it?

You should visit the Taj Mahal to admire its stunning design, craftsmanship, and symmetry. The mausoleum is surrounded by four minarets, a mosque, a guest house, and a garden with fountains and pools. The interior is decorated with calligraphy, inlay work, and precious stones. The dome is 35 meters high and has a lotus motif on top. The tomb chamber contains the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, while their actual graves are in a lower level.

You should also visit the Taj Mahal to learn about its history, significance, and legends. The construction started in 1632 and took 22 years to complete with over 20, 000 workers and artisans involved. The mausoleum was built as an expression of Shah Jahan’s grief and devotion for his wife who died giving birth to their 14th child. It also represents his vision of paradise and his power as an emperor. There are many myths and stories associated with the Taj Mahal, such as how Shah Jahan planned to build another black marble mausoleum across the river for himself; how he cut off the hands of the workers so they could not replicate his masterpiece; or how he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort from where he could only see his beloved monument.

You should also visit the Taj Mahal to witness its changing colours at different times of the day. The marble reflects the light of the sun and the moon in various shades of white, pink, orange, yellow, blue, and purple. The best time to see this phenomenon is at dawn or dusk when the sky is clear.

How to visit it?

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 1,100 for foreigners (as of 2022).

The opening hours are from sunrise to sunset (except on Fridays).

The nearest airport is Delhi (220 km away) and the nearest railway station is Agra Cantt (6 km away).

Khajuraho

What is it?

Khajuraho is a group of Hindu and Jain temples built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE in Madhya Pradesh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its erotic sculptures depicting various aspects of human life. It showcases Indian art, culture, religion, and philosophy.

Why visit it?

You should visit Khajuraho to marvel at its intricate carvings, exquisite details, and artistic expressions.

The temples are divided into three groups: western, eastern, and southern. Each temple has a platform, an entrance hall, a main hall, a sanctum, and a tower.

The walls are covered with sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, musicians, dancers, warriors, royals, couples, yogis, etc.

Some sculptures are erotic in nature showing sexual acts between humans or humans with animals. These sculptures represent the celebration of life, love, fertility, joy, and diversity.

How to Visit it

By a plane

Five kilometres from the city is Khajuraho Airport, which is provided by Air India (formerly Indian Airlines), which operates flights from Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, and Mumbai. Getting from Jhansi to Khajuraho by plane is the most comfortable option if you’re not up for a 5-6 hours ride over rough terrain. If there is no time limit, it can also be preferred to have road connectivity.

By a train

In 2008, a train station connecting Khajuraho to Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) (175 km) on the Delhi-Chennai-Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram main line finally opened. NOTE: The Khajuraho train station does not sell train tickets.

There are direct trains to Agra, Varanasi, and New Delhi Station (Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station).

From Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin to Khajuraho, the UP Sampark Kranti Express (Train number 12448) departs every day. Departure time is 20.10 from Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi, and arrival time in Khajuraho is 06.35 am. If you need to return from Khajuraho to New Delhi, try to purchase tickets for this train because it is much more convenient to travel by train rather than bus. It leaves Khajuraho at 18.20 and arrives in Delhi at 05.25 in the morning (train number 22447).

Now that the Udaipur-Gwalior Express has been extended all the way to Khajuraho (Train No. 19665-1966), travellers can easily reach Khajuraho from all over Rajasthan without having to go through any of the state’s more remote locations. Every day, this train runs.

Jhansi is one of the alternate routes to Khajuraho. Train travel from Delhi to Jhansi takes about 6 hours, and it takes another 3 to 4 hours (plus connecting time) to travel to Khajuraho. The Jhansi-Khajuraho Link Passenger (Train No. 51821) now runs alongside the Jhansi-Prayagraj Passenger (Train No. 51821) and departs from Jhansi at 7:10 am and reaches Khajuraho at 12:05 pm.

Take the Dakshin Express from Delhi (23:00 hrs) and arrive in Jhansi by 05:00 hrs. The Bhopal Shatabdi train departs Delhi for Jhansi at 6:00 am as an alternative. The train from Khajuraho to Jhansi departs at 12:25 and arrives in Jhansi at 5:30. At Orchha, both trains are stopped. The Udz Kurj Express (19666), which leaves Jhansi at 15:30 and arrives in Khajuraho at 19:50, is the second train from Orchha.

On the Prayagraj-Mumbai main line, Satna (Madhya Pradesh), at 117 km, serves as a substitute station. Mahoba Station on the Varanasi-Jhansi Route is an additional choice. Take the 11:00 am Passenger (Train No. 229A) to Khajuraho after exiting at Mahoba.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow