The 19th G20 Summit began on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with leaders from across the globe in attendance, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The 19th G20 Summit is being held at the newly-inaugurated International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The complex was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, 2023.
Bharat Mandapam: A Cultural Corridor for the G20 Summit
Bharat Mandapam is a convention center in New Delhi that is being used to showcase the rich and diverse culture of India to global leaders and delegates during the G20 Summit. The cultural corridor will encompass physical and virtual exhibitions, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The physical exhibitions will feature artifacts and artworks from different parts of India, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and musical instruments. The virtual exhibitions will use technology to bring India’s culture to life, such as through 3D models, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Bharat Mandapam is a convention center designed to host large-scale events such as international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, and conferences. It has a multi-purpose hall and plenary hall with a combined capacity of 7,000, which is larger than the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The amphitheater can accommodate an additional 3,000 people, making Bharat Mandapam one of the most versatile and grand convention centers in the world.
The name “Bharat Mandapam” is inspired by Lord Basaveshwara’s concept of Anubhav Mandapam, which is a place where people can gather to experience and learn about different cultures and traditions. The complex is also open to the public and offers a variety of facilities, such as meeting rooms, restaurants, and a business center. Bharat Mandapam is a symbol of India’s commitment to progress and its aspiration to become a global leader in trade, commerce, and culture.
The cultural corridor is a way for India to share its culture with the world and to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures. It is also a way for India to showcase its soft power and to position itself as a global leader in culture and heritage.
A 29-foot-tall bronze statue of Nataraja, the Hindu god of dance, has been installed at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The statue is made of Ashtadhatu, a mix of eight metals, and weighs around 18 tons. It was created by renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team in seven months.
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The statue is a symbol of India’s rich culture and tradition, where dance and music are used as a way to worship God. It is also a welcome beacon for the world leaders who will be attending the G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam in the coming days.
Bharat Mandapam is a convention center spread over an area of 123 acres. It has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. The complex is also ranked as one of the top exhibition and convention complexes globally.
The statue of Nataraja and Bharat Mandapam are a testament to India’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting its soft power. They are also a symbol of India’s aspiration to be a global leader in culture and commerce.