The sacred festival of Sharad Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, brings immense enthusiasm among people every year. Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the historic Taj Mahal becomes a major center of attraction during this night. Built from white marble, the architectural wonder looks breathtaking under the milky moonlight, drawing eager travelers from across the country and abroad. The combination of a shining full moon in the clear sky and traditional beliefs creates a uniquely joyful atmosphere for everyone.
All Tickets Booked for Night Viewing
The special five-day night viewing of the Taj Mahal around the full moon period began on October 24 and will continue until October 28. Visitors can experience the monument from 8 PM to midnight every day, divided into eight half-hour slots. When the moonlight falls on the Taj Mahal on October 25, it creates an extraordinary sight that has sparked massive craze among tourists, leading to all tickets for that day being sold out well in advance. In fact, all 1200 tickets for October 24, 25, and 26 have already been booked online. To ensure proper management, a maximum of 50 tourists are permitted entry in a single time slot.
A Confluence of Faith, Rules, and Beauty
Travelers get the chance to witness the grandeur of the Taj Mahal under the luminous night sky. According to the directives of the Supreme Court, the monument is opened to the public on the night of the full moon, as well as two days before and two days after it, making it a five-day window every month. Those who could not secure a ticket to enter the monument on Sharad Purnima night do not need to feel disheartened, as alternative arrangements are in place. People can view the glowing Taj Mahal at night from the Taj View Point located near Mehtab Bagh.
The Magical Chamki Phenomenon
On the night of Sharad Purnima, the moon comes closest to the Earth, casting an exceptionally bright and pristine white light. When this radiance hits the white marble and the precious stones embedded within the Taj Mahal, the entire structure sparkles like diamonds. Locals refer to this stunning visual spectacle as Chamki. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) permits night viewing from 8 PM to 12 AM for a total of five days spanning the full moon. Because the weather and atmosphere during Sharad Purnima are exceptionally clear and serene, the radiance of the monument reaches its peak.
Religious Significance and Architectural Splendor
World-renowned for its immaculate architecture and pristine white marble, the Taj Mahal looks even more ethereal when bathed in moonlight. In the quiet night atmosphere, the glowing monument appears as a unique fusion of love, beauty, and history. However, these night visits strictly adhere to the designated dates, timings, and regulations set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Meanwhile, Hindu traditions hold that the moon is endowed with all sixteen celestial arts on Sharad Purnima. The moonlight on this night is traditionally believed to possess nectar-like healing properties. Many households prepare kheer and leave it under the open sky overnight, consuming it as prasad the next morning. Also known as Ras Purnima and Kojagari Purnima, this festival holds special significance in Vaishnavism for the divine Rasleela of Lord Krishna. In several regions, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi on this night, believing she wanders the Earth and blesses those who stay awake in her devotion.
