Independence Day 2018: India will celebrate its 72nd Independence Day on August 15
Hyderabad's famous "Spanish Mosque" will be opened for people of all faiths on Independence Day to promote communal harmony. The century-old Jama Masjid Aiwan-E-Begumpet will welcome the masses between 10 am and 7 pm on August 15, as part of its "Visit My Mosque" programme. Visitors will be given guided tours of the mosque.
The mosque, situated in Begumpet area, is managed by an aristocratic family, the Paigahs. It was built in 1906 and is inspired by Turkish architecture. MA Faiz Khan, a member of the Paigah family and caretaker of the mosque, said: "We invite people from all religions to attend the 'Visit My Mosque' programme. This initiative promotes national integrity and communal harmony and it is an opportunity to meet, share and experience the values and culture of the Indian Muslim community".
Commissioned by Paigah noble Sir Viqar-ul Umera after his European tour of 1887 during which he was inspired by the Moorish architecture of Spain, it was completed by his successor.
India will celebrate its 72nd Independence Day on August 15. The security forces are in a state of high alert all over the country.
In Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, the police have increased security checks in the city in view of Independence Day. Public places like metro stations and shopping malls are being monitored. The police can deploy drone cameras for monitoring the situation in the city.
Superintendent of Police, Noida City, Arun Kumar Singh said, "All places like shopping malls, metro stations, and all vital installations such as Taksaal (a unit of the Government of India Mint), NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) offices, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) -- both under the state government and central government -- are being continuously monitored".
With inputs from PTI