Preparations are in full swing for the 371st Urs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, scheduled to be observed at the Taj Mahal in Agra from January 15 to 17.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Hindustani Satarangi Chadar, a ceremonial multicoloured cloth, will be offered at the original tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, located in the Taj Mahal’s basement, on the final day of the Urs. This year’s chadar stretches an impressive 1,720 metres, and the artisan entrusted with stitching it says the craft has been passed down through generations in his family.

The three-day Urs begins with the ceremonial opening of the basement, allowing devotees to offer prayers at the tombs. The observances include special offerings and religious rituals throughout the event. Adding to the spiritual atmosphere, renowned qawwals will perform Sufi kalams, making the musical gatherings a key highlight of the annual commemoration.