By Anand Singh
Agra, Feb 24 (IANS) US President Donald Trump arrived on Monday in the historic city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh to visit the iconic 17th century monument of love – the Taj Mahal.
Trump arrived here along with US First Lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top US officials.
Earlier in the day, the Trumps were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad.
In Agra, they were received by UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria airport in the Taj city of Agra.
Over 250 artists performed at the airport to welcome the Trumps.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Agra A.P. Singh, over 25,000 school students and women from self groups welcomed the US President in Agra along the 13-km route from the airport to Taj Mahal.
Meanwhile, over 3,000 artists at 21 different locations performed for the US President to welcome him in the city highlighting the culture of Uttar Pradesh.
Trump will spend an hour at the Taj Mahal and then emplane for Delhi for the final leg of his trip.
Following the US President’s visit to the city, Agra has got a massive facelift.
The administration has put up huge billboards, placards, cut-outs and several posters welcoming the US President and his wife Melania.
The 13-km route from the airport to the Taj Mahal has been spruced up aesthetically and the US and Indian flags have been put up at roundabouts to give the area a festive look.
At many places on the route, the administration has installed several statues of animals with flowers.
The walls have been adorned with paintings reflecting the Braj culture and architectural heritage of Agra, Victorian-style lamp posts have also been installed and the lawns of the Taj Mahal have been bedecked with colourful blooms as the historic city gears up to welcome the Trumps.
Traffic was halted in the city since 2 p.m. in several parts that fell on the route of the US President’s cavalcade.
(Anand Singh can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
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