The Taj Mahal, the global symbol of love and one of the wonders of the world, will once again be opened to tourists during moonlit nights.

Authorities in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have announced the reopening of the ancient monument.

The Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Noor Jahan .

Night viewings of the monument was banned 15 years ago, following alleged threats to its security.

Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Minister Ashok Yadav announced at a press conference that the federal home ministry had agreed to open the Taj for viewing during nights.

Moonlight viewing

Officials said they will begin the operation by opening the Taj to visitors for five nights every month, including two days before and two days after the full moon.

Mr Yadav said the administration was considering a proposal to set up a special tourist police force to safegaurd the monument as well as to help visitors.

The minister said that the Taj attracts 2.2 million tourists every year, including 600,000 from overseas.

The minister said tour operators all over the world had demanded the re-opening of theTaj Mahal during nights.

Some Hollywood stars had also expressed their wish to view the Taj by night.

The minister said he hoped that the move would increase the number of tourists visiting the city of Agra, where the mausoleum is located.

The next full moon night falls on 22 December and the administration is organising special cultural programmes to mark the reopening.