In the latest update from Uttar Pradesh, members of the Rashtriya Hindu Parishad (Bharat) had staged a protest at the West Gate of the Taj Mahal. They had threatened to lock the monument if no action is taken against ASI staff members.
Superintending Archaeologist Denies Promotional Activities Around Protected Monument
As per the latest reports, a visitor was denied entry to the grounds of Taj Mahal as they were dressed as Lord Krishna. Following this, Rashtriya Hindu Parishad had sent a 24 hours ultimatum to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials to take action against the staff member(s) who had “insulted” the visitor.
Vasant K. Swarnkar, the Superintending Archeological (Agra Circle) refused to entertain any promotional activities around any protected monument without taking prior permission from the authorities. With this, the visitor who dressed as Lord Krishna was denied entry as per the rules and regulations already stated.
The incident occurred on Saturday and the protest was staged on Monday.
According to the officials, this isn’t the first incident. There have been multiple occasions in the past when people wearing Ram dupatta tried to enter the premises and were denied entry.
Taj Mahal Registers Over 20,000 Visitors Over Long Weekend
Meanwhile, the long weekend seems to have done good for the local tourism circles. Reports suggest that around 20,000 people visited the monument which is said to be the highest number ever since the second wave of the Covid 19 hit the country.
This comes as the long weekend for the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on Monday. Many people visited Mathura and Vrindavan. A local tour guide, Ved Gautam said that he did expect a huge crowd of visitors at the Taj Mahal as it was Sunday and the weather was pleasant.
