Taj Mahotsav Festival 2024

Taj Mahal was built by the grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This world renowned wonder sits pretty on the northern side of a green paradise. It looks same from all the four sides. The Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in size that words may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom. Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from places like Italy and Persia to help design his ambitious tribute to love.

The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous Pietra dura for attention. Lapislazuli, Cornelian, Jasper, Malachite, Coral, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. Construction of this enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuana started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete it with the help of an estimated 20,000 workers.

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. The name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates

At the brink of dawn when the first rays of the sun hits the dome of this epic monument, it radiates like a heavenly abode, cloaked in bright golden. And then at dusk, basking in the glory of moon, it shines like a perfectly carved diamond; appearing as if straight owwut of some magical tale, leaving the viewers awestruck by its sense of grandeur. Nothing short of an architectural marvel, no wonder it stands proud at being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And the rich beauty of this visual spectacle turns visceral when one hears the story behind it. The story of Taj Mahal!

Taj Mahal, "the epitome of love", is "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled.