Two important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan- Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall renamed
In a significant move, the President of India Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday that two of the important halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, namely, Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, have been renamed as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively
As per the official release, the renaming was part of making the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan "reflective of Indian cultural values and ethos."
The official release further states, “Rashtrapati Bhavan, the office and residence of the President of India, is a symbol of the nation, and an invaluable heritage of the people. Continuous efforts are being made to make it more accessible to people. There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambience of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos.”
The magnificent Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, central to historic ceremonies including the swearing-in of Independent India's first government, is a majestic space used for Civil and Defence Investiture Ceremonies. Its architectural grandeur, highlighted by a 42-foot high marble dome and exquisite Belgium glass chandelier, epitomizes India's cultural heritage.
Ashok Hall, one of Rashtrapati Bhavan's most ornate rooms, was originally a State Ballroom. It now hosts important ceremonies, including the presentation of credentials by foreign Heads of Missions. Named after Emperor Ashok, symbolizing unity and peace, the hall reflects India's rich cultural and historical heritage.
- With inputs from agencies