One of the important gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan are the central lawn. Square in shape with its side measuring forty five metres, the central lawn serves the main venue for the annual 'At Home' ceremonies hosted by the President of India on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Eminent people from public life, the diplomatic community, media persons and other distinguished guests from part of these receptions where they can meet the President and other dignitaries. Earlier, 'At Home' ceremonies for visiting Heads of State were also held at the Central Lawn. That practice has however since been discontinued. During President Obama's visit to India in 2010, the Central Lawn was used to host the State Banquet. In 1977, the Central Lawn was also used to host the funeral prayer meet of India's fifth President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.