Ramadan: At the residence of India’s first citizen lies a place of quiet devotion—the Rashtrapati Bhavan mosque. For decades, it has been a tradition for the President of India to visit this mosque during Ramadan, particularly on the occasion of Khatam Shareef, a significant event marking the completion of the Quran’s recitation.
Zakir Hussain, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and APJ Abdul Kalam have all observed this practice, following in the footsteps of Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, who never missed the occasion. The tradition continues to this day, with the President arriving at the mosque with great reverence, presenting a turban and gifts to the Imam.
Anandi Barua, a former coach of the Indian women’s football team and a long-time resident of Rashtrapati Bhavan, recalls, “When we lived inside the staff quarters, the President would always visit the mosque on Khatam Shareef. I have personally seen Presidents from Giani Zail Singh to Ram Nath Kovind attending. It is a major event for Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the staff and their families eagerly participate.”
A place of worship built decades after Rashtrapati Bhavan
Despite its deep-rooted significance today, the mosque inside Rashtrapati Bhavan was not part of the original architectural plan. When the grand building—then known as Viceroy’s House—was completed in 1931, no provision was made for a mosque. Its architect, Edwin Lutyens, did not allocate space for any religious structure, possibly because churches and gurdwaras were already located nearby.
It was only in the early 1950s that the Rashtrapati Bhavan mosque was built, addressing the spiritual needs of the Muslim staff residing within the complex. Today, it remains accessible through Mother Teresa Crescent Gate, also known as Gate No. 31.
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The first Imam and his legacy
For decades, the Rashtrapati Bhavan mosque was led by its first Imam, Hafiz Haseenuddin, a respected Islamic scholar from Meerut. He served here until his passing in 2005, becoming an integral part of the spiritual life at the President’s House.
It is said that Haseenuddin was also invited to the residence of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at 1, Safdarjung Road, where he played a role in religious observances.
A special atmosphere on Eid
On Eid, Rashtrapati Bhavan takes on a festive air, with the President’s office distributing sweets to all staff members. The mosque, usually a place of quiet prayer, is filled with celebration and community spirit.
“There is a provision for the Imam to reside here with his family,” explains a Muslim staff member. “However, for security reasons, his married children are not allowed to live within the complex. The Imam’s salary is covered through contributions from the staff.”
The mosque is exclusive to Rashtrapati Bhavan employees, but those who have prayed there carry fond memories. One staff member recalls Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s regular visits for Friday prayers. “After the prayers, he would sit and talk with everyone present, particularly the younger staff. He always asked about their studies and careers.”
A temple within Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Rashtrapati Bhavan mosque is not the only place of worship inside the presidential estate. A temple, located nearby, plays an equally significant role in the lives of the Hindu staff. All major Hindu festivals—Diwali, Holi, and Janmashtami—are celebrated there with great fervour.
Old residents of Rashtrapati Bhavan say it was Rajendra Prasad who introduced the tradition of celebrating all religious festivals on the premises. As the first President of independent India, he encouraged his staff to organise celebrations and invited employees to participate in them.
Prasad himself was known to play Holi with dry colours alongside visitors and staff, while his wife, Rajvanshi Devi Prasad, would personally host guests. Affectionately called Maa Ji, she was a warm and constant presence at these gatherings.
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The man behind the temple and mosque
It was Prasad who ensured that both a mosque and a temple were built within Rashtrapati Bhavan, making space for different faiths under the same roof. Since a gurdwara and a church were already located adjacent to the estate, there was no perceived need to build additional places of worship for Sikhs and Christians inside. Prasad and his wife actively participated in the celebrations of Diwali, Eid, Holi, Christmas, Guru Nanak’s birthday, and other religious occasions with Rashtrapati Bhavan’s employees. Even if his schedule prevented him from staying for the entire event, his wife remained present throughout, ensuring that the inclusive traditions were upheld.
“I have attended Khatam Shareef and Diwali celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan when Shankar Dayal Sharma was President,” says author and social worker Firoz Bakht Ahmed. “It is something truly unique to India, where festivals of every religion are not just respected but celebrated together.”
Today, that tradition continues. Under President Droupadi Murmu, major festivals continue to be celebrated in a grand manner at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring the legacy of inclusivity that has been at the heart of India’s highest office.
The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author of two books ‘Gandhi’s Delhi: April 12, 1915-January 30, 1948 and Beyond’ and ‘Dilli Ka Pehla Pyar – Connaught Place
