NEW DELHI: Amidst the sprawling grounds of Pragati Maidan, renowned for hosting international trade and book fairs, stands an awe-inspiring creation, ‘Bharat Mandapam’, India’s newly-built global exhibition-cum-convention centre.
Developed by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), this magnificent structure will host world leaders like US president Joe Biden, China’s Xi Jinping, UK PM Rishi Sunak and possibly Russian president Vladimir Putin in September this year.
A testament to India’s rich traditions and cultural heritage, ‘Bharat Mandapam’ seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern amenities, embodying the New India’s confidence and vision.
It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with havana and drone flying. Workers are giving final touches to the state-of-the-art edifice which has been constructed at ₹20,150 crore.
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Spread over an area of 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam is India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, elevating it to the ranks of top-notch exhibition and convention complexes worldwide. Comprising a convention centre, exhibition halls, and a captivating amphitheatre, it stands as the crown jewel of Pragati Maidan.
Architecturally grand, the complex is designed to host colossal international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and prestigious events. Boasting an array of meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, and a business centre, it is fully equipped to accommodate a diverse range of gatherings.
The majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall can collectively seat an impressive seven thousand people, surpassing the seating capacity of the renowned Sydney Opera House in Australia. Adding to the allure is the magnificent amphitheatre with seating for 3,000 people.
Inspired by the spiritual Hindu symbol of Shankha (conch shell), the building’s walls and facades beautifully showcase elements of India’s traditional art and culture. Intricate displays like ‘Surya Shakti’ pay homage to India’s strides in solar energy, ‘Zero to ISRO’ celebrates the nation’s achievements in space exploration, and ‘Pancha Mahabhuta’ symbolizes the foundational elements of the universe – Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), and Prithvi (Earth).
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The convention centre also serves as a canvas for captivating paintings and indigenous tribal art from various regions across the country, adding a vibrant touch to its grandeur.
According to Pradeep S Kharola, CMD of ITPO, ‘Bharat Mandapam’ boasts a convention centre complex capable of hosting large-scale conventions. With its plenary hall and multifunctional hall accommodating 7,000 to 8,000 people, the scale of this hall rivals that of a football field.
“This convention centre is the largest of its kind, offering a unique combination of exhibition halls, an amphitheatre, and a series of meeting rooms and auditoriums.”
He further disclosed that after the G20 summit, ITPO has engaged an agency for facility management to ensure the seamless continuation of functions and events such as trade fairs and book exhibitions.