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Barge Mahal floats in for London's festival of India
By Ross Lydall, Evening Standard 17.07.07
Wonder of the world: the replica Taj Mahal - built by Bollywood designer Bijon Das Gupta - passes the MI6 building at Vauxhall on its way to City Hall
A floating replica of the Taj Mahal was moving down the Thames to launch a spectacular Indian festival in London.
The marble mausoleum has been recreated on a river barge to launch a three-month festival celebrating India's culture in advance of a visit by Mayor Ken Livingstone to the country in November.
Created by Bollywood film-set designer Bijon Das Gupta, the six metre-high metal and wood replica was making its way from Vauxhall Bridge, where it was built, to City Hall, where it is to be moored.
Mr Livingstone will visit Mumbai and Delhi to open two offices to boost links with one of the world's fastest growing economies.
His office is co-ordinating the India Now festival of 1,500 events, including a showcase in Trafalgar Square from 2 August that will cost £383,000.
Other highlights include appearances by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, whose new film Chak De India will premiere at Somerset House, and India's cricket captain Rahul Dravid.
Reader views (2)
Only someone with a short sighted mentality sould say its a waste of money. The Indians are soon to overtake the Japanese as the largest tourist base re London. Moreover India is becoming an economic superpower and the importance of building trade links cannot be overstated.
- Jonathan Birkbeck, London
What a waste of public money, Ken is at it once again, wasting London taxpayer's money.
- Tim Doole, London
