Taj Mahal, “Symbol of Love” - New Seven Wonders of the World

The Taj Mahal, a marvel in marble, and a symbol of love continues to enjoy its positions one of the – ‘New Seven Wonders of the World.’

The tomb of Mumtaj has charmed many throughout the last four centuries and is a world heritage UNESCO site.

The new list of seven wonders function was celebrated on 7.7.07 at Lisbon. The announcement was made at a star-studded ceremony in Lisbon’s Benfica Stadium Saturday evening by none other than the Indian beauty - Biphasa Basu.

A private Swiss Foundation conducted the poll for the new seven wonders’ of the world over Internet and by telephone and over 100 million votes were cast. Taj was competing against 21 short-listed man made marvels.

Hosts Bollywood actor Bipasha Basu, US actor Hilary Swank and British actor Sir Ben Kingsley, announced the new wonders of the world in the random order, which included: The Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, the Statue of Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá in Mexico and the Colosseum in Rome, besides the Taj.

The Great Pyramid of Giza has been included in the list as an Honorary Candidate as it symbolizes Immortality and Eternity.

New7Wonders Foundation President and Founder, Swiss filmmaker Bernard Weber and Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, presented plaques to all finalists.

New7Wonders Panel of Experts and former Director-General of UNESCO Prof. Federico Mayor was also present at the ceremony. Earlier UNESCO had distanced itself from the ceremony and dismissed the current method of choosing the seven wonders.

Source-ANI
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