Agra, March 8 (IANS) The Taj Mahal on Sunday had special visitors -- widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi.
As the women, dressed in white sarees, walked on the red sandstone pathways in twos and threes, foreign tourists stopped and got themselves photographed with them.
The visit on the International Women's Day was sponsored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The widows, who live in shelter homes run by Sulabh International, visited Agra Fort as well and were accorded a reception.
"I am humbled to have welcomed these women neglected by society," said N.K. Pathak, ASI chief in Agra.
"They were indeed our special guests today on the International Women's Day. Surely this is a much better way to celebrate the occasion than holding unproductive lectures in five-star hotels," he said.
Chitra Lekha from Varanasi told IANS that it was her dream to see the Taj Mahal but she never got the opportunity.
Most widows who came for the visit were above 60 years, even 70.
"We are now well looked after by Sulabh Baba (Bindeshwari Pathak)... Earlier we got only Rs.3 a day for chanting bhajans at various ashrams. But now we get Rs.2,000 a month and also medical facilities arranged by the organisation," said Kamla Dasi.
World Water Day: '26 percent people in the world are unable to get drinking water, read what the UN report says
On the occasion of World Water Day, the United Nations (UN) released a report. In this report released on Tuesday, it was said that 26 percent of the world's population does not have clean drinking
Festival to mark 232nd anniversary of Khalsa rule
New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) will host a two-day festival commemorating the 232nd anniversary of the establishment of Khalsa Panth rule, the
If Imran Khan's government falls, then what will happen next in Pakistan?
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is going through the most difficult phase of his political career. The no-confidence motion of the opposition is not letting them breathe a sigh of relief. Today
ALH MK III Aircraft: Indigenous light helicopter inducted into INS Utkrosh, maritime security will be strengthened
Indigenous Light Helicopter ALH Mk III aircraft has been formally inducted into INS Utkrosh today to strengthen maritime security. It was formally inducted today at Port Blair by Lt Gen Ajay Singh,
Navratri Kalash Sthapana: How to do Kalash Sthapana on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri? Know the rules and importance of worship.
Shardiya Navratri, the festival of worship of Adishakti, has started today. Navratri is a festival of special religious significance in Sanatan Dharma, which is celebrated as the worship of Goddess
Mahakumbh 2025: Devotees praised the efforts of CM Yogi, bathers from West Bengal said a big thing
Devotees who came from all over the country to take a bath on the occasion of Magh Purnima at Triveni Sangam have praised the arrangements made by CM Yogi. A devotee from West Bengal even said that
UK major Cairn gets Income Tax demand
New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) Going contrary to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's promise that India will not levy any tax with retrospective effect, the Income Tax department on Wednesday imposed a
Don't encroach on privacy while installing cameras: HC to police
New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the city police to install within two months CCTV cameras at vulnerable areas identified by it, without encroaching upon
World Cup 2023: These five players will play their last World Cup, three Indian names also included in the list
The ICC World Cup 2023 is going to start on October 5. Every team has geared up to make a splash on Indian soil. The performance of many players in the tournament is going to be under watch. At the
China's 'bat woman' warns - many viruses like corona exist in nature, their study is necessary
Beijing: The world is troubled by Corona but another warning has come from China. Chinese scientist Xi Jengli, known as Bat Woman, has warned that how many viruses like corona are still present in
