(vi) Need to ensure that old Tradition of Worship is not disturbed in the precincts of Taj Mahal, Agra SHRI BHAGWAN SHANKAR RAWAT (Agra): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there are Aonla and banyan trees in the precincts of Taj Mahal. The women of Tajganj, the adjourning area of Taj Mahal-worship the 'Aonla"tree on Aonla Ekadashi once a year. Similarly, banyan tree is worshipped on the day of 'Amavasya'. This tradition is centuries old.

Muslims, have been granted special permission to offer 'namaz' in the precincts of Taj Mahal. Friday being the day for Namaz everybody is allowed to enter the building without entrance fee on this day.

This time, the Taj Mahal administration prevented the women from worshipping the 'Aonla' tree on 'Ekadashi'. A conspiracy of feeling the Aonla trees is also being hatched. It is not justified to deprive the people from their fundamental rights of worshipping by showing discrimination on religious grounds.

Therefore, I demand the Central Government not to show discrimination on religious grounds with regard to the permission of entering the Taj and let the old traditions of worship continue.

Offering namaz and worshipping trees in the precincts of Taj Mahal is symbolic of religious harmony. This practice should be encouraged.

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