Shah Jahan’s 370th Urs: Rare Taj Mahal Tomb Opening & Grand Chadar Ceremony – Don’t Miss It
On the second day of Shah Jahan’s 370th Urs, the sandal ceremony was performed on Monday at the Taj Mahal. Sandalwood paste was applied to the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, located in the basement of the monument, followed by special prayers. A large number of visitors gathered to witness the ceremony, as the entry to the Taj Mahal was made free from 2 PM onwards.
Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha staged a protest at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) office on Mall Road, opposing the celebration of the Urs at the historic site.
Grand Procession and Rituals of the Urs
As part of the ceremony, sandal paste was brought from the Royal Gate to the main tomb of the Taj Mahal. The Urs Committee volunteers, along with CISF personnel, ensured smooth arrangements for the visitors. A floral sheet (chadar) was also offered on the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, as part of the age-old tradition.
Special Attractions of Shah Jahan’s 370th Urs
This year, the 370th Urs of Shah Jahan is being observed with grandeur. One of the main highlights is the 1,640-meter-long rainbow-colored Hindustani chadar, which will be offered on the third day of the Urs.
A major attraction for visitors is the opening of the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, located in the basement of the Taj Mahal. These graves are accessible to the public only once a year during the Urs celebrations.
To ensure security during the event, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased the number of security personnel at the Taj Mahal. Additionally, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has deployed extra staff to manage the large influx of visitors.
Free Entry for Visitors During Urs
The Urs of Shah Jahan is observed annually on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of Rajab, as per the Hijri calendar. The rituals include bathing the tomb on the first day, the sandal ceremony on the second day, and chadarposhi on the third day.
During the Urs, visitors are granted free entry to the Taj Mahal on:
- January 26 and 27 (from 2 PM onwards)
- January 28 (from morning till dusk)
This exemption applies to both Indian and foreign tourists, providing a rare opportunity to witness the grand Urs celebrations and view the royal tombs in the basement.
Third Day of Urs: Chadarposhi and Langar Distribution
On the third day of the Urs, the final set of rituals will take place, including:
- Qurankhwani (recitation of the Quran)
- Fatiha (prayers for the departed soul)
- Chadarposhi (offering of the sacred sheet on the tomb)
- Langar (free community meal distribution)
Increasing the Length of the Chadar Every Year
A rainbow-colored chadar, symbolizing religious harmony, is carried in a grand procession from the Hanuman Temple to the Taj Mahal. Religious leaders, accompanied by drummers and devotees, participate in this historic event.
Every year, the length of the chadar increases. Last year, a 1,560-meter-long chadar was offered, whereas this year, a 1,640-meter-long chadar will be placed on the tomb of Shah Jahan. Tahiruddin Tahir, President of the Khuddam-e-Roza Committee, confirmed this tradition will continue.
Notable Personalities at the Sandal Ceremony
Several dignitaries and committee members attended the sandal ceremony, including:
- Alka Singh
- CISF Commandant Vaibhav Kumar Dubey
- Tarun Sharma, Satish Chaudhary, Iqbal, Tahir
- Urs Committee President Syed Ibrahim Zaidi
- M Iqbal, Zahid, Nazim, Tausif, Naved, Rehan, Arif Taimoori, Shahrukh
- Anju Kumari, Lalita Arora, Ashish Gupta, Danish, Wazdan, Mustakim, Farman Ali, Israr Usmani, Faheem
The 370th Urs of Shah Jahan continues to attract visitors and religious followers, keeping the legacy of the Mughal Emperor alive at the majestic Taj Mahal.
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