Charminar to come alive on Sept. 27

By J.S.Ifthekhar

HYDERABAD, AUG. 27. The ideal time to behold the Taj Mahal is a moonlit night. For the Charminar it will be September 27. On that day the majestic monument will be illuminated and decked up like never before. A pure bliss in limestone. It is sure to draw sighs of ecstasy from onlookers.

Authorities are working out the nitty-gritty of the occasion to ensure that the World Tourism Day is remembered long after it is celebrated. Grand plans are under way to clean up the area around the legendary landmark. Laad Bazar, the choicest haunt of the fair sex, is planned to be dressed up like a bride - literally. Colourful buntings will be strung up all along the street. A concerted effort is on to recreate the old world charm - complete with royal "baggis". The chariots will carry dignitaries from the Charminar to the Khilwat Palace where the main function will be held.

That day the hoary sentinel will get back, hopefully, part of its lost treasure - the fountain. Hectic activity is on to restore to the Charminar its original fountain which is now lying near the Rani Mahal in Golconda Fort. The iron fountain, which is now rusted and out of order, was actually in the middle of the Charminar base for several decades. Some 50 years ago it was removed and carted off to Golconda Fort for some inexplicable reason.

Officials of the Tourism Department, Archaeological Survey of India and the MCH inspected the ancient fountain at Golconda on Monday and worked out a strategy to shift it to Charminar. It is also proposed to make the fountain at Gulzar Hauz operational.

Come September 27 and the 16th century monument will move into a virtual reality mode with the Remote Presence System getting commissioned. Tourists can have a "cyber dekho" from the top of the 56-metre monument without actually climbing on to it. Authorities plan to send the first colour digital picture of Charminar to someone important, probably the US president, Mr. George Bush.

A "Heritage Week" is also on the cards. The Tourism Department is thinking of holding elocution, painting and essay writing competitions for schoolchildren in connection with the World Tourism Day. Starting September 21 a number of programmes are planned, including period cuisine and costumes. Authorities are also trying to have the Khilwat Palace thrown open for people on September 27. As a grand finale, the breathtaking precincts of the Palace will reverberate to Birju Maharaj's Kathak, besides entrancing qawwali and mushaira. So folks don't forget to keep a date with Charminar.

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