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On 27th September, celebrations began for the 350th anniversary of the Taj Mahal, the most famous of mausoleums and one of the most beautiful monumental structures ever built. The celebrations will last for six months but they have started surrounded by controversy.

This has basically come about for two reasons. Firstly, due to the discrepancies which exist concerning the exact date when work was completed on the celebrated monument, the pride of the city of Agra, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Secondly, due to the decision of the Supreme Court of India not to lift the ban on visiting the Taj Mahal at night.

With respect to the second reason, the government of Uttar Pradesh asked for the lifting of this ban, in force since 1984 for security reasons, with the argument that the reopening of the Taj Mahal after sunset would increase tourism and be a boost for business and the economy of the area.

India's Supreme Court, however, denied the request and, in addition, refused permission for the holding of commemorative acts in the grounds, in order to protect the Taj Mahal from possible damage.

The result is the millions of tourists and visitors who come to admire the Taj Mahal will not be able to contemplate the shining splendour and the magnificent tones which bathe it on the nights of a full moon.