To mark the 75 years of India’s independence, the Centre has decided to light up the historic buildings of the country with tricolour lights on August 15, Independence Day 2022.
150 monuments in total would be lit in a tricolour theme as part of the celebrations. Some of the monuments have already been illuminated.
However, this rule will not apply in the case of the Taj Mahal due to a special directive of the Supreme Court which says no lighting can be done in monument at night.
Reason behind the SC’s directive
According to social activist Vijay Upadhyay, the last time the Taj Mahal was illuminated at night was on March 20, 1997, during a concert by renowned pianist Yanni.
The next morning, the Taj Mahal was found to be full of dead insects which damage the marble of the monument. Following that, the Chemical Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India recommended that the Taj Mahal should not be lit at night. The ban on lighting at the Taj Mahal has not been lifted since then.
Vishal Sharma, editor of Agra's Tourist Welfare Chamber, said, "When the Allied forces won the Second World War about 77 years ago, the Taj Mahal was lit up in various lights."
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Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
India will celebrate the 75th anniversary of country's Independence on August 15. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2021, will continue till August 15, 2023.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
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