The Taj Mahal offers free entry from Jan 15-17 for Shah Jahan’s 371st Urs, featuring rituals, prayers, and cultural events. Visitors can view the emperor’s and Mumtaz Mahal’s graves, a rare annual opportunity, with restrictions on flags and tobacco products
The Taj Mahal has opened its gates for free entry from January 15 to 17 to mark the 371st Urs (death anniversary) of Shah Jahan. Counted among the must‑visit spots for travellers worldwide, this breathtaking ivory‑white marble mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, symbolises eternal love. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Indian and Islamic artistry in its intricate carvings, symmetry, detailed semi‑precious stone inlay (pietra dura), grand gardens and more.
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Altogether, the monument's majestic beauty offers some of the most surreal, Instagram‑worthy photo opportunities during a visit to Agra, India. Now, visitors can enjoy free entry to the monument during the annual event organised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to commemorate Shah Jahan's 371st Urs.
Free Entry To The Taj Mahal
Photo: Unsplash
The annual Urs coincides with the 26th, 27th and 28th days of the Islamic month of Rajab. During the Urs, officials announced free entry for visitors and tourists from January 15 to 17.
On the first two days, free entry is permitted from 2 pm until sunset.
On January 17, the monument will remain open for the entire day, contrary to its typical schedule of being closed on Fridays.
“No new tradition will be introduced, and neither allowed during the three‑day Urs beginning Thursday. Adequate arrangements have been made for smooth conduct of the event. Taj Mahal will open this Friday, but after 2 pm for common visitors, and entry will be free of charge for all,” said Prince Vajpayee, senior conservation assistant for ASI at the Taj Mahal, as quoted by The Hindustan Times.
Visitors are prohibited from carrying religious flags, banners or posters, as well as tobacco and similar products.
Additionally, visitors will be permitted to view the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal in the monument's basement - an opportunity available only once a year.
Cultural Events At The Taj Mahal To Mark Shah Jahan's Urs
Photo: Unsplash
The annual event follows a series of rituals in honour of the Mughal Emperor's 371st Urs:
Day 1 (January 15): The three‑day annual event kick‑started with the "Ghusl" ceremony, which involves the ritual bathing and cleaning of the tombs with rosewater and sandalwood paste.
Day 2 (January 16): The "Sandal" ceremony is being held at the Taj, with offerings and special prayers for peace and harmony.
Day 3 (January 17): Khuddame Roza Taj Mahal Urs Committee president Haji Tahiruddin Tahir said that qawwali performances, a mushaira (poetry recitation) and Quran Khani will be held, according to officials.
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The major highlight of the day will be "Chadar Poshi", offering a multi‑coloured ceremonial cloth called the Hindustani Satrangi Chadar to the Mughal Emperor. “This time the ‘chadar' will be 1,720 metres long (about 5,643 feet) and is being prepared for the last one month. This tradition has continued since the death of Shah Jahan, although its dates vary every year as they are calculated based on the Islamic calendar,” said Tahiruddin ‘Tahir', the convenor of the Khuddam‑e‑Roza committee involved in organising the Urs every year.
