Majestic

View of the Rastrapati Bhawan

The gloomy weather of New Delhi nearly ended our most awaited visit. As the drizzles of early morning turned into incessant rain. The weather saddened our mood. Despite the gloomy weather, our journey began on the rain doused streets of New Delhi and slowly the blue dome of Rastrapati Bhavan appeared, on the canvas of reality.

Rastrapati Bhawan,India

Through a newspaper clip and a TV programme, I came to know that Rastrapati Bhavan of India will remain open for public viewing for specific days of week and online request can be submitted for having a glimpse of the house, its museum and the Mughal garden. I conveyed my online request accordingly, to the secretariat of Rastrapati Bhavan and it was readily approved from their end, with a specific registration number, and a route map. So, before our New Delhi tour began, my request to visit to the Rastrapati Bhavan was accepted.

Rastrapati Bhawan,New Delhi,India

At the entry gate, after verification of registration, our vehicle got permitted to enter in the premises of Rastrapati Bhavan of India. Defying the odd weather, finally when we looked at the enormous architecture of Edwin Landseer Lutyens, it was indeed an inexplicable delectation. Wade slowly on the rain soaked sand paved entrance, though; I continued capturing our evanescent moments at the Rastrapati Bhavan. It was impossible to confine the entire face of the building within the meagre frame of camera.

Rastrapati Bhwan,New Delhi 

Compulsorily we had to deposit our mobile phone, camera, bag at the reception, and got our identity verified. As the huge door opened after all formalities, the guided tour of Rastrapati Bhavan began, accompanying only our inquisitive mind queued after the guide, leaving all the electronic gadgets behind. It went sometime under the basement, through the stairs, at the first floor, on listening the fascinating stories and comprehensible details on the spot about the historic halls, conference halls, reading room, dining hall. The museums had meticulous collection and discriminating display of gifts, painting, photographs, sculptures, many more to recall.

Finally, the story ended with collecting mementoes at the curio shop and our vehicle left the premises to join the crowd again. By the time, rain ceased pouring and Sunshine was slowly brightening the day from torn clouds.