Taj Mahal Tour and Agra’s Kabootar Baaz

One such excitement that makes the city of Agra all the more significant and worthwhile is the culture of kabootar baazi, (pigeon flying) prevalent since a long time. All one needs to do is to look toward the sky from any Taj Ganj roof terrace at around 4pm to notice pigeons flying in clusters. In fact, this is the time when the sun is at its lowest ebb and Taj’s bulbous onion domes and minarets can be witnessed glowing with pale orange color. Pigeons, during this time, wheel above people staring skywards from their flat terrace roofs. One can hear shouting, whistling, and waving sticks at these flying pigeons.
 
This competition is called by "Kulkul" its six days long involving Ustads with their extreme patrons from Agra and Firozabad finished with Ustad Ali Sher winning the last lap. More than 3000 pigeons, who had gone through grueling training and fed on special diets, participated in the tournament, according to Dinesh Choudhary, president of the Agra-Firozabad Kabootarbazi Association. This Competition start with great pump and shore and it covers the largest distance in Kuberpur area, near Chalesar forest across the river Yamuna.

Well, interestingly the pigeon fanciers in the city of Agra are known for flying their pigeons in flocks rather than individually. They primarily control them with a code of high pitched whistles and calls that are as much a feature of Muslim culture. That is the reason why these pigeons are only to be found in the vicinities of Muslim dominated areas in the city of Agra.
 
As far as the waving of the sticks is concerned, it is conducted to keep the lazier pigeons in the air. This is done to keep all the pigeons dance and act in accord with the activity of weaving. In fact, all this makes Taj Mahal Tour Package all the more exciting and worth attending. Tourists visiting the glorious Taj Mahal never run short of experience that’s indomitable and fun laden. In fact, this is what makes it an altogether exciting tour and travel compared to other India Holiday packages.
 
However, if we look at pigeon fancying closely, we find that it was established as a tradition in Agra along with the cities of Old Delhi and Lucknow, where there were a sizeable number of Muslims. It is interesting to note that there are some Hindus as well who participate in pigeon fancying thus depicting the Indian cosmopolitan and secular culture.
 
Putting this activity in historical perspective we find that it was started during Akbar’s time when Abu’l Fazl, Akbar’s noble laureate considered it to be the favorite pass time. Since then, even to this day, men fly their pigeons making the scenario just mesmerizing. In fact, at that time, people used to pay handsome amount to the men and boys who used to fly pigeons. Well, now that tradition has been over but it is never running short of making the Taj Mahal Tours all the more interesting and worthwhile. As things are going as of now since Taj Mahal reigned supreme in amassing maximum revenue, there is no looking back when it comes to making one’s Taj Mahal visit fun laden. Agra always offers to his visitor for many reasons. Visit Agra to know more and more about Indian history and you will find yourself amazed..