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Whenever there is talk of the seven wonders of the world, the name of Taj Mahal, the symbol of India’s pride and love, first comes to mind. This historical mausoleum, carved from white Makrana marble on the banks of river Yamuna, spreads its different colors in every season and every time. Sometimes it glows pink in the morning sunlight, and sometimes it looks golden in the evening. But when it comes to the night of Sharad Purnima, the beauty of Taj Mahal gives the feeling of a supernatural world. On this special full moon night, a very unique and historical tradition is performed in Agra, which is known as ‘Chamki’ in the local language and pages of history. On this one night, tourists not only from the country but from all over the world come to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
According to people associated with the local history and culture of Agra, ‘Chamki’ is basically that special night of Sharad Purnima when the moon in the sky blooms with all its sixteen arts and showers nectar on the ground. This night had special significance even during the reign of the Mughals. Historians say that Mughal emperor Shahjahan and his royal family used to enjoy this natural beauty by sitting in the premises of ‘Mehtab Bagh’ or Taj Mahal built across the Yamuna river on the moonlit night of Sharad Purnima. In those times, this night was celebrated as a moonlight sighting and festival, which gradually got the name of ‘Chamki’. This tradition is still as alive in the hearts of the people of Agra as it was centuries ago.
Now the question arises that why does the Taj Mahal look so different and magical only on the night of Sharad Purnima? There is a wonderful combination of pure science and architecture behind this. To build the Taj Mahal, a special type of white marble was used from Makrana in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. The special feature of this marble is that it has the amazing ability to reflect light naturally. On the day of Sharad Purnima, the moon is closest to the earth and when its rays fall directly on these fine and transparent marble stones, the entire tomb starts sparkling in milky light like a precious diamond. It appears as if someone has embedded countless diamonds in the stones.
The Yamuna river flowing right behind the Taj Mahal also plays a very important role in enhancing the beauty of the Taj Mahal. When the sky is clear on the night of Sharad Purnima and the full moon spreads its cool moonlight, the reflection of the Taj Mahal in the calm and still waters of Yamuna is seen very clearly and clearly. When the light waves formed in the water along with light gusts of wind make this shadow oscillate a bit, it seems as if the Taj Mahal is floating inside the water. The eyes of every person who sees this amazing sight remain wide open. To experience this confluence of music, culture and architecture, visiting the Taj at night amidst velvety lights and silence is counted among the greatest pleasures of life.
Even though the era of kings and emperors may have ended with time, this tradition of ‘Chamki’ is still alive with the same enthusiasm. Special arrangements for night darshan of the Taj Mahal are made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the district administration for tourists during the days around Sharad Purnima. Although due to strict ticket and security rules, only a limited number of people are allowed inside, yet there is a competition among tourists to get tickets. The local markets of Agra also get illuminated with lights on this night and an atmosphere like a cultural festival is created in the city. If you too have never experienced this ‘glow’ of Taj Mahal on the night of Sharad Purnima, then this sight can prove to be one of the most beautiful and memorable moments of your life.