Introduction
Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as The Retreat, is the official summer residence of the Honourable President of India, situated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This distinguished retreat is traditionally host to the President during the annual Summer sojourn customarily occurring in April.
History
The magnificent Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan bears testimony to this historic moment of the swearing in ceremony of Independent India's first government.
One of the most fascinating and ornately decorated rooms of Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Ashok Mandap.
Interestingly, this huge artistically done up space that is now used for important ceremonial functions, was erstwhile used as the State Ballroom. The Ashok Mandap is used for presentation of credentials by Heads of Missions of foreign countries and as a formal place of introductions for the visiting and Indian delegations prior to the commencement of the State Banquets hosted by the President.
Known as the Daughter of the Ganatantra Mandap
Rashtrapati Bhavan's Library’ is located at the north-eastern corner of the Bhavan and is accessed through the North Staircase.
Hon’ble President laid the foundation of the new building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, (RBMC) the Garages, on October 7, 2014. The heritage building formerly held the President's Estate's Garages and formerly went by the name Garages. The new Phase II museum in the former Garages was officially inaugurated on July 25, 2016.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) represents Indian democracy, freedom, and unity. This museum, which was inaugurated on July 25, 2014, is the culmination of an effort to preserve and exhibit the numerous gifts received by Indian Presidents over the years. In addition to these gifted objects, the museum's collection contains arms, furniture, sculptures, textiles, photographs, archival materials, and more.
Often referred to as the most unique of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's creations, the Spiritual Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan is indeed a unique concept. Here plants and trees associated with various religions practiced in India are nurtured together. The idea behind this garden was to spread the message of harmonious coexistence despite religious and cultural differences and to show tolerance towards one another.
Inaugurated in February 2006, the Musical Garden is the then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s initiative. It is an example of human creativity through contact between music and science. Set up in the President’s Estate in an area that was earlier used as a nursery, the Musical Garden has three large water fountains that demonstrate digital electronics, electromagnetism, hydro dynamics and hydrostatics. The music is digitized and the audio system fed through computerized programme controller.
The rectangular garden is the closest to the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Two parallel channels run north and south, intersecting with two others running from east to west.These water canals divide the garden into a grid of squares. At the intersection of these channels, sandstone fountains whose shape has been inspired by the Victoria Regia Lily, has water jets up to twelve feet. Moulsiri trees are neatly planted around the garden.
