Thanks to the Agha Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), the ancient place of worship is fast regaining its past glory. By next month it will be ready for the worshippers to pray in an ambience reminiscent of the Qutb Shahi era.
June 21, 2015 – J. S. IFTHEKHAR for The Hindu: It will be a perfect Id gift. When the faithful gather next month to offer Id prayers capping 30 days of fasting, they will be in for a pleasant surprise. Most would wonder whether it is the same Idgah they have been praying at year after year.
Yes, the 16th Century Idgah in the Qutb Shahi tombs is going to offer a different experience this time. For the first time in the last 400 years one can see the Idgah in its original grandeur — complete with the lime stucco ornamentation and intricate flower pattern.
Thanks to the Agha Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), the ancient place of worship is fast regaining its past glory. By next month it will be ready for the worshippers to pray in an ambience reminiscent of the Qutb Shahi era.
The AKTC, which is undertaking conservation and landscape restoration of the sprawling Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, is working overtime to refurbish the Idgah for next month’s Id-ul-Adha namaz. “This Idgah posed a big challenge as it is all covered up in layers of paint over the years. We have removed at least 50 layers which were 4 to 5 inches thick,” says Ratish Nanda, project director, AKTC.
More www.thehindu.com
Ismailimail 