Meet-up Place: Rashtrapati Bhavan Main Building (President’s House of India)
Date: 04.05.2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 3.00 PM (Official Timings: 12.30 to 2.00 PM
Local Guides who made the meet-up a success with their time, energy, and insights: @Hemendu, @SonamW, @Manishhh, @Nomad_Enkay and @K.K.Sharma
Rashtrapati Bhavan, originally known as the Viceroy’s House, was constructed between 1912 and 1929 after the British decided to shift the capital of India from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911. Built atop Raisina Hill, a strategically chosen elevated site symbolizing imperial authority, the structure was designed by architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The grand building blends Indian and Western architectural styles and served as the residence of the British Viceroy. It was renamed Government House upon India’s independence on August 15, 1947. After India became a republic on 26 January 1950, the building was officially renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan, meaning “President’s House” in Hindi, symbolizing the country’s transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic. When no official functions are being held, a small yet significant section of Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. Advance booking is mandatory, and visits are subject to availability of slots. Tickets can be booked through the official platform.
Arrival, Introduction, and Visit to the Souvenir Shop in the Reception Area:
12.00 to 1.30 PM
The QR codes on our entry tickets were scanned, and a digital photograph was taken at the security check. We then visited the ‘AI Room,’ where we interacted with various AI tools, played quizzes, and even had the opportunity to take a virtual selfie with the Hon’ble President. Group members enthusiastically took selfies. Here’s the one taken by Hemendra Ji.
Guided Tour of the Main Building of Rashtrapati Bhavan:
Rashtrapati Bhavan is situated on a vast 330-acre estate, with Amrit Udhyan covering 15 acres and the building itself occupying 5 acres. The structure is designed in an H-shape and comprises a total of 340 rooms, of which 5 are open for public viewing. During the tour, our knowledgeable guide, Ms. Manorma, provided us with fascinating insights into the brief history of this iconic landmark.
During our visit, we saw a statue of Buddha known as Sahastra Bahu, named for its depiction with a thousand hands. This remarkable statue was a gift from Vietnam to the President of India and was brought to the country in three pieces, later assembled at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
After passing by three rooms—ones I had seen from the outside during a previous visit—our tour guide, Ms. Manorma, led us to the Gantantra Mandap, the historic hall where the transfer of power from British to Indian hands took place. This venue also serves as the site where the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court take their oaths of office. Notably, only two Prime Ministers—Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Narendra Modi—did not take their oath in this hall.
The Gantantra Mandap also hosts prestigious ceremonies such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. A striking feature of the hall is the Buddha statue on the stage, whose feet align with the top of India Gate—a fascinating architectural detail. The grand doors at the front of the hall are opened only during major public events, such as oath-taking ceremonies or award presentations, to allow the entry of dignitaries and special guests.Previously known as Durbar Hall, the name was officially changed to Gantantra Mandap in 2023 as part of a broader initiative to Indianize names with colonial associations.
From there, we proceeded to the Ashoka Hall, also known as Ashoka Mandap, one of the most opulent and historically rich chambers in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Originally built as a ballroom during the British era, the hall was designed in Persian architectural style, featuring a stunning painted ceiling and elegant chandeliers. The most captivating element is the large oil painting on the ceiling, believed to illustrate a royal hunting scene, created by Persian artists invited especially for the task. Today, Ashoka Mandap is primarily used for formal ceremonial events and group photographs during functions held at Gantantra Mandap. You can view an image of Ashoka Mandap on the official website.
Our next stop was the State Dining Hall, now officially named Swarn Jayanti Sadan. This grand hall is used for hosting official banquets and state dinners. Reflecting colonial elegance, it features high ceilings, magnificent chandeliers, and finely carved wooden furniture. A central long dining table accommodates over 100 guests, making it one of the largest formal dining spaces in India. Decorated with fine artworks, silverware, and a blend of Indian and European aesthetics, Swarn Jayanti Sadan exemplifies India’s tradition of refined state hospitality. Ms. Manorma also explained how beautifully the space is managed during events, using green, yellow, and red lights to create a sophisticated ambiance.
