Taj Mahal closes moonlight viewing during Ramzan

Taj Mahal is a wonder of the world and attracts thousands and lakhs of tourists from across the globe every year. A good number of tourists visit Agra during the full moon period, just to witness the beauty of Taj Mahal in moonlight. Those who have witnessed the monument bathed in moonlight, swear by its beauty!

However, the related authorities have closed moonlight viewing for tourists during Ramzan. The tickets for night viewing are available a day in advance at the Archeological Survey of India office in Agra. Muslims visit the mosque inside the Taj Mahal to offer namaz which goes on late at night during the month of Ramzan.Vishal Sharma, Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber Secretary, stated that the night view of the Taj Mahal is a special occasion but the gates are now only open for those offering night namaz. He further informed that ID cards are given to Muslims coming to offer namaz at the mosque.
This month’s full moon is on April 16 and according to Supreme Court orders, the night view of the Taj should commence from April 14. But, because of Ramzan, the night view has been cancelled this month.

It was back in 2004 that the Taj authorities started the night view of the Taj Mahal activity. A 30-minute slot is given to 50 tourists each, from 8:30 PM to midnight. The tickets are available two nights preceding and two nights after the full moon night.