Bharat Mandapam: A Selfie-Worthy Marvel in the Heart of Delhi

After the successful conclusion of the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam has emerged as the latest hotspot for tourists and selfie enthusiasts in Delhi. Visitors are flocking to this architectural wonder daily, eager to capture moments against the backdrop of G20 country flags and other distinctive structures created for the summit.

Inspired by the River Yamuna, the central building’s elliptical shape is flanked by two striking ramps, symbolising the convergence of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, evoking imagery of the meeting of two fish — a nod to these vital water bodies and their significance in Indian culture.

This distinctive design draws inspiration from civilisations that thrived along these rivers. It weaves together art, heritage, traditional attire, and culture, offering a glimpse of India’s unparalleled diversity to a global audience while resonating with local communities by showcasing their art.

Bharat Mandapam spans four levels, each offering unique facilities and spaces.

Level One features meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 50 to 200, along with essential support areas.

Level Two houses the prestigious G20 Summit Hall, equipped with a leaders’ lounge and two auditoriums with capacities of 600 and 900, respectively.

Level Three consists of a versatile hall accommodating up to 4,000 guests, customisable for various configurations. It also offers a 3,000-capacity plenary hall extending to Level Four, providing panoramic views of Delhi, including the Kartavya Path, India Gate canopy, and domes.

During the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam served as a cultural corridor, hosting physical and virtual exhibitions that showcased India’s rich and diverse heritage. The highlight was the awe-inspiring bronze statue of Nataraja, a celebration of India’s cultural traditions where dance and music are forms of worship. 

Weighing approximately 18 tons and crafted from Ashtadhatu (an alloy comprising eight metals), this masterpiece was sculpted by Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team in just seven months.

Spanning 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam now stands as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. It rivals the world’s top exhibition and convention complexes in terms of covered space for events.

Outshining even the iconic Sydney Opera House in capacity, Bharat Mandapam’s multi-purpose hall and plenary hall can collectively accommodate up to 7,000 attendees. The complex also boasts an amphitheatre with a seating for 3,000 individuals.

Named ‘Bharat Mandapam’ in honour of 12th century poet-philosopher Basaveshwara’s concept of Anubhav Mandapam, the complex is now open to public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the complex on July 26, 2023, expressed his admiration for the 27-ft-tall bronze statue of Nataraja on social media, highlighting its role in preserving India’s age-old artistry and traditions.

After concluding the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ‘Crafts Bazaar’ at Bharat Mandapam which showcased India’s rich and diverse arts and craftsmanship, each reflecting the uniqueness of its region. He also explored the ‘Digital India Pavilion’, which displayed India’s impressive digital achievements.

In a brief 43-second video shared on his official YouTube channel, PM Modi toured stalls representing Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and other states. Skilled craftsmen explained their handcrafted products at each stall. Additionally, he took time to visit the ‘Focus North East’ stall, where he observed and appreciated handicrafts from the seven northeastern states of India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

In another video, PM Modi was seen engaging with the hardworking “Shramiks” at Bharat Mandapam, sharing moments and capturing photographs with them. Subsequently, he visited the Digital India Pavilion, dedicated to showcasing various digital advancements that India has achieved.

Bharat Mandapam opens to the public after September 15, an official told Patriot.

The revamped International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex was developed as a national project at a cost of about Rs 2,700 crore.

Designed to host grand international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and various prestigious gatherings, Bharat Mandapam offers an array of amenities, including numerous meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre, and a fully-equipped business centre. 

The architecture of Bharat Mandapam also celebrates nation’s commitment to harnessing solar energy, achievements in space exploration, and the fundamental elements of the universe.