More than 5 million people visited the Taj Mahal over the past three days, with Saturday recording the highest footfall, at the iconic monument in Agra, India, widely regarded as a symbol of eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The massive crowd was due to the annual Urs, which marks the death anniversary of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the iconic monument was built.
Entry to the Taj Mahal is free every year during the Urs, drawing millions of devotees and tourists from across India and around the world.
Two Fijian journalists, among four journalists from the Pacific, were part of the more than three million people who visited the Taj Mahal on Saturday.
The visit was part of a Media Familiarisation Visit to India, organised by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Walking through the monument, the smoothness of the marble reflects the craftsmanship of an era without modern technology.
The designs and carvings are hand-made, showcasing the exceptional skills of the artisans.
The materials and techniques used to bind the marble pieces together remains unknown.
The gardens surrounding the Taj Mahal are well-maintained and add warmth and serenity for visitors.
Upon entering the premises, officers conduct thorough security checks on every individual, after which visitors are required to purchase tickets.
Tickets can also be purchased online.
The monument is open for sightseeing from sunrise to sunset.
On Fridays, the Taj Mahal is open only to Muslims for prayers.
The vast complex, with the monument built entirely of white marble, attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily and remains one of the most visited heritage sites globally.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child.
Construction began in 1632 and took approximately 22 years to complete, involving thousands of artisans and craftsmen from across the Mughal Empire and beyond.
Mumtaz Mahal, born Arjumand Banu Begum, was of Persian origin and Shah Jahan’s second wife.
Before her death, it is believed that she asked Shah Jahan to promise that he would not remarry and that he would build a monument to preserve her memory.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to stand as a testament to love, craftsmanship, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
