Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 12: Turning snow into art, three talented artists have sculpted a magnificent Taj Mahal replica out of snow at Sonamarg, further enhancing the charm of this popular tourist destination.
Enduring harsh weather and heavy snowfall, a team of three artists devoted nearly fifteen days to meticulously crafting this snow marvel, which has added captivating allure to this renowned tourist destination, captivating both locals and tourists alike.
“While constructing the skeletal frame, we encountered a setback when three feet of snow fell, obstructing our progress. Undeterred, we pressed on, wading through chest-high snow to realise our vision,” said Zubair Ahmad, one of the artists.
Describing their creation as a fusion of the Taj Mahal and the iconic igloo, Ahmad said. “This is likely the first of its kind globally. We poured our hearts into this project, labouring tirelessly alongside a team of labourers during the initial phase and dedicating ourselves entirely to its completion,” he said.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind their ambitious project, Ahmad revealed his lifelong aspiration to recreate the grandeur of the Taj Mahal on a larger scale, stemming from his previous experience crafting a smaller version of the monument.
Another artist involved in the project underscored the collaborative effort behind their creation, acknowledging the support of various stakeholders, including the Hotelier Association and the Adventure Association in Sonamarg. Irfan Ahmed, a resident of Budgam, emphasised the dedication and perseverance required to bring the project to fruition, noting the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions. “This project has taken us 15 to 16 days to make. We faced a lot of difficulties because of the inclement weather, and we worked very hard on it. We used 15 labourers initially, and thereafter the three of us worked on it,” he said.
A tourist marvelled at the sight of the Taj Mahal crafted from snow, expressing awe at its breathtaking beauty. “We managed to sneak in, and it looks amazing from the inside,” he said.
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