361st Urs of emperor Shah Jahan begins

The 361st annual 'Urs' celebrations of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan began today with his grave as well that of his wife Mumtaz Mahal opened for public viewing as part of the three-day event here.

Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), police, CISF and local Muslim bodies participated in the 'Gul ki Rasm' ritual.

Entry for visitors will remain free till May 5, ASI officials said.

An 870-metre-long 'chadar' will offered at the Taj Mahal on May 5 to celebrate the occasion, Khuddam-e-Roza president Haji Tahiruddin said.

The original set of graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal were opened for public view.